> I know JS is sort of hot right now, but I don't really consider that programming or coding... It's a form of really basic scripting. It's possible that I'm biased, because I was writing Javascript back in the late 90s…
Indeed, this opinion indicates you haven't been doing Javascript for a while. Today, Javascript is used to write complete applications ("one-page apps") on the client side and server-side code that was traditionally done in PHP, Python etc. I consider modern JS a full programming language and a competent knowledge of it a valuable skill.
For example, the JS' prototype-based object model is a fairly complex subject in itself, so much that there are libraries dedicated to simplifying it and making JS approachable and non-intimidating to Java people.
She need to keep trying and have positive attitude. I would add that ask her to check out meetup.com for local meetup in and expand her network. Christmas is around the corner; and there would be seasonal positions available. ask her to take temp job if full time is not luck. Sometimes those leads to full -time / contract positions.
There are crowd source testing houses that offer something similar to what you are looking for.
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When I first left, I thought I'd boomerang within 6 months. Four months out, I don't think I'll be back for a year or two. The longer I'm out, the less the appeal. But then again, I've heard the fastest route from SDE2 to 3 is to leave for 12 months and apply for the 3 role.
If I did come back, I'd probably come join you guys in CSTech. I hear good things.
Oh, and you do know me. Old-school Amazon Toronto in-joke reference: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003F24D0S