Software Engineer

Hi everyone. I’m in need of some serious career advice — or maybe even a job referral.

I’m currently working as a Social Media Manager for Indian Railways, but let me explain the reality — I was hired with that title, but I’ve been doing way more than that. I hold a degree in Computer Science, and apart from social media, I’ve been involved in various IT-related tasks, including: Handling incident and problem management: identifying issues, informing stakeholders, and coordinating resolutions. Managing internal IT systems, especially those tied to freight operations. Working closely with CRIS (Centre for Railway Information Systems) – though it’s an internal railway system, so not recognized outside much. Acting as a coordinator for freight IT systems, aligning with ITSM principles. I’ve gained familiarity with ITSM basics, some exposure to CRM/ERP, and even a decent understanding of AI tools and workflows. But I still feel like a jack of all trades, master of none. The catch? I’m not a permanent government employee. I work on a contract basis through an agency, which means no real government perks or job security. The agency only handles my payroll, and all the work and coordination is directly with Indian Railways. Also, there are no perks like Mediclaim, health insurance, or even PF. I currently don’t even have a PF account for pension contributions, which most employers usually provide — and this is one of the main reasons I want to move out now. Now I’m looking to move into a corporate IT role, something more aligned with structured IT operations, support, or coordination. But I’m struggling — I don’t have a clear "corporate experience" tag, and most roles seem to demand very specific tool-based experience or certifications. I’d really appreciate if someone could: Guide me on which roles to target given my background Suggest any certifications that can help me transition Or even refer me to relevant openings in IT coordination, support, or service management Thanks in advance. Really hoping to hear from someone who's been in a similar place or has advice. I’m open to learning, certifications, or entry-level corporate roles if it gives me a proper starting point.

Open source contribution!!

Are you guys contributing to open source? Are there any good open source projects specially in Spring Boot. Also Open source contribution gives me an edge over others in interviews?

Software Engineer + SDM Marriage?

I am a software engineer and my parents received a call from a girls family. Both our native places are the same. We have grown up with same set of values. Everything looks damn perfect except for 1 thing. She is a SDM in same state. This is a good point for me as it shows her hardworking nature by cracking a tough exams. Even I am looking for someone who has been really hard working at some point in there life. But thus public sector job has its cons as well, which is transfers and postings to different places within same state. We are now talking since past week. She says she will try getting her transfer done to my place after marriage and that it is possible as well. She gives me example of her colleagues where private and public sector combination worked out. I also feel convinced many times but some days I feel like I will be restricting my job opportunities in other places. My place of work gets automatically constraint to my current one. Although it is closer to my hometown and eventually I plan to settle there. But always in my life I have kept my options open for place and company I work at. Being an SDM has its attraction I agree but it is this aspects which is playing a negative role for me. In my family everyone is a private sector employee and those who were in public sector have shifted to private as well. For her everyone in her family is government job holder. Please suggest what should I do as our parents would need some answer from me. She will have same setup with any other person so she doesn't have much to ask me, it is me who asks about our future setup is going to workout.