Nick - both Scott and Toby gave you a lot of good info already, I agree with pretty much everything they already wrote.
I've been working as a independent developer for 4+ years, after working in both large and small software companies for most of my career. There are different rewards, and different challenges - whether it's right for you depends on a number of factors. Also depends if you want to try some part-time freelancing vs. trying to make it your full-time work situation. You have to be willing and able to deal with a variety of non-technical issues: accounting, taxes, legal aspects of doing business (corp. vs. LLC vs. sole proprietor). You're your own IT department: system installation, backups, software updates, licensing. You have to take responsibility for your own training and skills development - buy books (and take the time to read them), find and use resources on the internet (can you say "infinite time sink?!"), take courses, go to conferences - you have to decide what works for you and how to invest your time and money. You have to get clients/contracts. Income can be erratic (or nonexistent, possibly for relatively long periods). Have some projects that are "yours" so that you keep working even if not paid - contribute to an open-source project, work with a non-profit or some group that you care about - something real that keeps you engaged and active. All my engagements have come through professional contacts - people that I've worked with and have recommended me for skills and quality of work that I do. Writing (blogs/articles), speaking, going to networking and user groups - all good, generally tend to be long-term ways to make contacts or establish a reputation; not necessarily quick/reliable ways to find work. Don't confuse means with ends. Being "a Rails programmer" is a limited notion; languages and platforms are just tools and skill sets. Have a passion for good tools, but if you're going to be in the software business for the long haul you need a passion for solving problems *with* the technology, and the will and skill to evolve. ~ Deb _______________________________________________ Sdruby mailing list [email protected] http://lists.sdruby.com/mailman/listinfo/sdruby
