3 ms·

I've been doing this for 2+ years now, and would do it again in a heartbeat with the right employer. If you are a software engineer, 60% pay is still solidly in

I've been doing this for 2+ years now, and would do it again in a heartbeat with the right employer. If you are a software engineer, 60% pay is still solidly in the middle class range. The main upside is it gives you the freedom to invest in yourself without worrying about juggling freelance clients. Want to travel? Long weekends are the norm, and it takes less pto to get extended vacations (particularly if your boss lets you shuffle your schedule between weeks). Want to create a small business? You now have two days a week to do exactly that. This protects the weekend, and has saved me from the burnout of 'night & weekend' projects I've done in the past. My business is not ready to support me, but it is much farther along than any previous venture I've started. Want to do random educational activities? I've taken up bread making and taken several woodshop courses in the past year. I also read 50+ books a year. You have time. How do I negotiate this? I get a salary and health insurance. I do not get equity. I prefer it this way, as I'd rather bet on myself than equity in a venture backed startup. Just my two cents. Are there downsides? If you consider missed pay a downside, then yes there is. You won't be able to buy a house in the bay area. You won't be able to keep up with the jonses. You won't have a fancy car. If that matters to you, don't take the pay cut. Personally, anything above $70k a year is gravy. I'd like to maximize my free time after hitting that financial milestone to actually live my life. Let me know if I can help with specific questions.

jamestimmins 8y ago
That's awesome to hear. I'm curious how you were able to find this setup? Did you apply for full time jobs and ask for part time? Or did you start out full time and then make the change after demonstrating value?
- msencenb 8y ago
  In this case I knew the CEO from school. The computer science department I studied in offered a couple cross-collaboration classes with the graduate school of business, which is how we met. I don't have much practical advice here, but my path was to have done good work in the past (reference checks), have an existing connection, and to not be afraid to negotiate hard at the beginning.
- ponyous 8y ago
  I just got offered to work 4 days work weeks, I think potentially they would be ok with 3 days too. They are generally really flexible so I had time to prove myself in first term of the contract that I can deliver. I think my departments budget is running low so I think that helps - Contractors - work less, cost less. There are multiple things at play but most significant is demonstrating the value imo. I've been contracting for 2 years now and lately I strongly prioritised the company culture and personal interest in the company over money. Turns out this way I found a really good cultural fit and people I can work with. They invited me to join as permie and I am strongly considering it as it seems it would allow me to do the most in my life while living comfortably. Flexibility seems to cost you ~20% of your normal rate - at least I'm confident my daily rate could be 20% higher if I wanted elsewhere.
sbjs 8y ago
How do you find such awesome companies to work for?

jamestimmins 8y ago

That's awesome to hear. I'm curious how you were able to find this setup? Did you apply for full time jobs and ask for part time? Or did you start out full time and then make the change after demonstrating value?

msencenb 8y ago
In this case I knew the CEO from school. The computer science department I studied in offered a couple cross-collaboration classes with the graduate school of business, which is how we met. I don't have much practical advice here, but my path was to have done good work in the past (reference checks), have an existing connection, and to not be afraid to negotiate hard at the beginning.
ponyous 8y ago
I just got offered to work 4 days work weeks, I think potentially they would be ok with 3 days too. They are generally really flexible so I had time to prove myself in first term of the contract that I can deliver. I think my departments budget is running low so I think that helps - Contractors - work less, cost less. There are multiple things at play but most significant is demonstrating the value imo. I've been contracting for 2 years now and lately I strongly prioritised the company culture and personal interest in the company over money. Turns out this way I found a really good cultural fit and people I can work with. They invited me to join as permie and I am strongly considering it as it seems it would allow me to do the most in my life while living comfortably. Flexibility seems to cost you ~20% of your normal rate - at least I'm confident my daily rate could be 20% higher if I wanted elsewhere.

sbjs 8y ago

How do you find such awesome companies to work for?