New ask Hacker News story: Is transitioning from a full-time position to freelancing practical?
Is transitioning from a full-time position to freelancing practical?
2 by wornoutdev | 0 comments on Hacker News.
I've been working as a full-time software developer at the same place for a number of years and, for a number of reasons, I'm worn out and ready for a change -- less day-to-day stress, new technology, a new environment, and eventually a new location, once the world gets back to normal. I've had some conversations about local full-time roles, but I don't think they're the right option for me. I've worn many different hats at my current position, which means that I don't have deep experience in any specific area, and moreover, I'm too stressed out and burnt out to psych myself up for the traditional interview gauntlet. But at the same time, I feel like I really need to get out ASAP and get a (virtual) change of scenery. I've been thinking about throwing my hat into the ring on the various freelancing sites and spending the next six months or so doing a combination of remote part-time freelance work and learning and personal projects to put me in a better position for my next step. I realize that the pay will be a fraction of what I'm used to as a full-time dev in the US, but I can weather that for a while; I'm more concerned about keeping my mind active and having something concrete to list on my resume. But the freelancing world is brand-new to me, and I have lots of questions: do I need to worry that my skills won't be up to snuff? How hard will it be to find work as a new freelancer in the current environment? Are there pitfalls or other options that I'm overlooking? Am I crazy to think that this plan will allow me to reduce my stress levels, build up some confidence, and refresh my skills before seeking a more traditional job next year? I'm wondering if anyone on HN has trod a similar path and can provide any advice, especially in light of the current situation with the pandemic.
2 by wornoutdev | 0 comments on Hacker News.
I've been working as a full-time software developer at the same place for a number of years and, for a number of reasons, I'm worn out and ready for a change -- less day-to-day stress, new technology, a new environment, and eventually a new location, once the world gets back to normal. I've had some conversations about local full-time roles, but I don't think they're the right option for me. I've worn many different hats at my current position, which means that I don't have deep experience in any specific area, and moreover, I'm too stressed out and burnt out to psych myself up for the traditional interview gauntlet. But at the same time, I feel like I really need to get out ASAP and get a (virtual) change of scenery. I've been thinking about throwing my hat into the ring on the various freelancing sites and spending the next six months or so doing a combination of remote part-time freelance work and learning and personal projects to put me in a better position for my next step. I realize that the pay will be a fraction of what I'm used to as a full-time dev in the US, but I can weather that for a while; I'm more concerned about keeping my mind active and having something concrete to list on my resume. But the freelancing world is brand-new to me, and I have lots of questions: do I need to worry that my skills won't be up to snuff? How hard will it be to find work as a new freelancer in the current environment? Are there pitfalls or other options that I'm overlooking? Am I crazy to think that this plan will allow me to reduce my stress levels, build up some confidence, and refresh my skills before seeking a more traditional job next year? I'm wondering if anyone on HN has trod a similar path and can provide any advice, especially in light of the current situation with the pandemic.
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