3 ms·
Tbf, often contractor developers have tried to do the right thing (e.g. write tests) and been bitten ("I didn't pay for a test suite!"). Individual initiative i
by danjac 6y ago
Tbf, often contractor developers have tried to do the right thing (e.g. write tests) and been bitten ("I didn't pay for a test suite!"). Individual initiative in the contracting world usually goes unrewarded and is often punished, so you quickly learn to do what you are told, no more, no less. And you have gone the extra mile for deadbeat clients that have left you hanging with unpaid invoices, so why bother wasting potential billable hours?
Which is why I avoid contract work full stop, at either end of the table. It actively encourages mediocrity and decentivizes initiative and effort.
- speby 6y agoBoy, if I had a quarter for everytime I've encountered a contractor or offshore team that did something "I didn't pay for" .... I'd be broke because I wouldn't have any quarters! I see you point in theory but in practice, that just does not happen or if it does, it is very rare.
- datavirtue 6y agoIt also pays significantly more for less work and soul sucking drama than the FTEs deal with. Another point I can make, I'm considering joining a contracting firm that actually does real consulting because all of the engineers are senior and are known for contributing excellent big-picture work. They operate on word of mouth and have been maintaining their spots in companies while the pandemic has caused FTE layoffs in those same companies. Employee owned and the benefits are above average.