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The reality of a lot of 'solo' programming work is just part-time pay, full-time responsibility, with no benefits or job security. At least that's what most th

• developer37 5y ago
  > The reality of a lot of 'solo' programming work is just part-time pay, full-time responsibility, with no benefits or job security. This might be true, but the reality is also that it is doable to actually reach a point where quitting your job to pursue your side-project is a viable option. I think the problem with a lot of software engineers/developers is that they lack the skills like marketing and selling in order to scale. Typically, and I've done this myself, we develop something that we think is cool, aaaaaaand... that's it. You stall. Educating yourself in different areas (if you're going 100% solo), you can use that knowledge to reach a point where you can see your product take shape and use it to sustain yourself.
• jokethrowaway 5y ago
  In my career, solo programming gigs have generally been much better paid compared to employee jobs, with the right tax planning and living in the right countries. Even ignoring tax advantages, contractor's daily rates tend to include things I rarely use like sick pay, holidays, missed stock options. Unless you're working for a FANG where stock options are pretty much guaranteed money, working solo is generally a good deal. If the value you're bringing to the table is that you live in a cheap country, you'll get paid less (but still a lot compared to your cost of living, most likely)