Meanwhile I'm trying to get my "first" job as SE or backend/fullstack web developer. It's been so hard to meet the requirements (3-5+ years of previous professional experience) that now I'm thinking it might be just as hard to start a company (copying proven business model employed elsewhere, with necessary modifications), only you get a chance to at least try.
You should ignore those requirements and just apply anyway. The requirements are written by HR, but if you pass the tech call, no one will care.
It's all about the numbers. The first time I went looking for work, I literally sent out 500 resumes. ...had 10 call screens, 4 in-person interviews, and 1 job offer. And that was 1 month after 9-11.
