4 ms·

This of course extends to software. I’m a engineer and consultant and have been turned down on some projects a few times due to them finding what they believe i

This of course extends to software. I’m a engineer and consultant and have been turned down on some projects a few times due to them finding what they believe is a better deal. Software (like shoes) is one of the absolute cases of “you get what you pay for.” Sure enough after hiring a dirt cheap offshore that promises the world for a fraction of the cost, they come crawling back with a buggy mess, asking me if I’m still available. My rates are what they are because I’ve been in this game for over ten years and I know what I can do. For anyone reading this that’s currently in this position. You are not saving money. You’re increasing both cost and development time in the long run.

Jack000 6y ago
been on both sides of the fence. As an employer, the problem is that everyone says this, even people who have no idea what they're doing. In fact these people are over - represented in the hiring pool because skilled devs are usually already overbooked and not looking for work. "pay more for better talent" implies that everyone is paid what they're worth, which is not true. If hiring better candidates was as simple as paying more, the recruiting industry wouldn't exist.
- distantaidenn 6y ago
  Same old argument. Yes, highly skilled devs are in high demand and do get a lot of introductions and work. But, speaking from experience, we still need to get the deal closed and negotiation is par the course.
sokoloff 6y ago
You rarely get more than you pay for, but you also don’t always get what you pay for...
- distantaidenn 6y ago
  Of course, I'm being anecdotal. But I have seen this play out far too many times. From huge multi-nationals trying to cut corners to solo founders trying to get something built. Heh, reminds me of a time at said huge multinational. We were building a team in Thailand, and one of the execs knew that I had worked there in the past doing just that. He calls me over and says, "We're trying to figure out how much to pay the team. What are engineer salaries like in Bangkok?" I made sure to give the team a nice bump, based on my "estimate."

Jack000 6y ago

been on both sides of the fence. As an employer, the problem is that everyone says this, even people who have no idea what they're doing. In fact these people are over - represented in the hiring pool because skilled devs are usually already overbooked and not looking for work. "pay more for better talent" implies that everyone is paid what they're worth, which is not true. If hiring better candidates was as simple as paying more, the recruiting industry wouldn't exist.

distantaidenn 6y ago
Same old argument. Yes, highly skilled devs are in high demand and do get a lot of introductions and work. But, speaking from experience, we still need to get the deal closed and negotiation is par the course.

sokoloff 6y ago

You rarely get more than you pay for, but you also don’t always get what you pay for...

distantaidenn 6y ago
Of course, I'm being anecdotal. But I have seen this play out far too many times. From huge multi-nationals trying to cut corners to solo founders trying to get something built. Heh, reminds me of a time at said huge multinational. We were building a team in Thailand, and one of the execs knew that I had worked there in the past doing just that. He calls me over and says, "We're trying to figure out how much to pay the team. What are engineer salaries like in Bangkok?" I made sure to give the team a nice bump, based on my "estimate."