Am I damaging my potential by being a freelancer?
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I have been working freelance now for about 4.5 years. I was still in university when I started (3 years to go for my degree). I've been at it for a while, and am continuing with 3 different companies. I've only ever worked freelance.
I was just contacted again by a recruiter with whom I've spoken for several years as she continuously comes to me with job opportunities in the technologies I use and areas I desire. Every time I have to turn her down because I still have continuing development on these projects (one of which is particularly financially incentivizing). In her email she asked if I had any recommendations for Android/iOS developers, and I realized that I don't have any!
This led me to think about a few more points:
I have no experience working in a "team" environment - the most experience I have is my senior Computer Science project at university, but one could hardly call that real-life experience
I have no experience working in a more typical workplace environment (office-ish) - I exclusively work remotely
I've made essentially 0 connections (aside from one of my best friends who is a developer); that means I have no networking capacity, and basically nobody to vouch for my skills, except that I "get results" - my ability to solve problems, write good code, etc. all comes to fruition via the end product (apps, web sites, etc.)
- While I have a portfolio of products that I've created over the years, only one code base is open-source, and that's because it's a website I developed for my university. So almost all the code I've written can't be shown, and I don't have time for personal projects anymore...
All of these points (and probably more!) make me look extremely un-hirable in my opinion. I can't shake this feeling that my freelance work is going to eventually make it very difficult to find a more permanent position. I have a good track record with my clients and they would happily vouch for me as an employee/developer, but they can't say anything about my technical skills because they are non-technical people (managers).
So the question: is my freelancing 'career' detrimental to my ability to find permanent employment as a software developer?
job-search career-development hiring-process software-development freelancing
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
I have been working freelance now for about 4.5 years. I was still in university when I started (3 years to go for my degree). I've been at it for a while, and am continuing with 3 different companies. I've only ever worked freelance.
I was just contacted again by a recruiter with whom I've spoken for several years as she continuously comes to me with job opportunities in the technologies I use and areas I desire. Every time I have to turn her down because I still have continuing development on these projects (one of which is particularly financially incentivizing). In her email she asked if I had any recommendations for Android/iOS developers, and I realized that I don't have any!
This led me to think about a few more points:
I have no experience working in a "team" environment - the most experience I have is my senior Computer Science project at university, but one could hardly call that real-life experience
I have no experience working in a more typical workplace environment (office-ish) - I exclusively work remotely
I've made essentially 0 connections (aside from one of my best friends who is a developer); that means I have no networking capacity, and basically nobody to vouch for my skills, except that I "get results" - my ability to solve problems, write good code, etc. all comes to fruition via the end product (apps, web sites, etc.)
- While I have a portfolio of products that I've created over the years, only one code base is open-source, and that's because it's a website I developed for my university. So almost all the code I've written can't be shown, and I don't have time for personal projects anymore...
All of these points (and probably more!) make me look extremely un-hirable in my opinion. I can't shake this feeling that my freelance work is going to eventually make it very difficult to find a more permanent position. I have a good track record with my clients and they would happily vouch for me as an employee/developer, but they can't say anything about my technical skills because they are non-technical people (managers).
So the question: is my freelancing 'career' detrimental to my ability to find permanent employment as a software developer?
job-search career-development hiring-process software-development freelancing
1
It sounds like you're doing well as a freelance if this is your 4th year and regularly getting jobs. Why are you looking for a job in a team?
– Dan
yesterday
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
I have been working freelance now for about 4.5 years. I was still in university when I started (3 years to go for my degree). I've been at it for a while, and am continuing with 3 different companies. I've only ever worked freelance.
I was just contacted again by a recruiter with whom I've spoken for several years as she continuously comes to me with job opportunities in the technologies I use and areas I desire. Every time I have to turn her down because I still have continuing development on these projects (one of which is particularly financially incentivizing). In her email she asked if I had any recommendations for Android/iOS developers, and I realized that I don't have any!
This led me to think about a few more points:
I have no experience working in a "team" environment - the most experience I have is my senior Computer Science project at university, but one could hardly call that real-life experience
I have no experience working in a more typical workplace environment (office-ish) - I exclusively work remotely
I've made essentially 0 connections (aside from one of my best friends who is a developer); that means I have no networking capacity, and basically nobody to vouch for my skills, except that I "get results" - my ability to solve problems, write good code, etc. all comes to fruition via the end product (apps, web sites, etc.)
- While I have a portfolio of products that I've created over the years, only one code base is open-source, and that's because it's a website I developed for my university. So almost all the code I've written can't be shown, and I don't have time for personal projects anymore...
All of these points (and probably more!) make me look extremely un-hirable in my opinion. I can't shake this feeling that my freelance work is going to eventually make it very difficult to find a more permanent position. I have a good track record with my clients and they would happily vouch for me as an employee/developer, but they can't say anything about my technical skills because they are non-technical people (managers).
So the question: is my freelancing 'career' detrimental to my ability to find permanent employment as a software developer?
job-search career-development hiring-process software-development freelancing
I have been working freelance now for about 4.5 years. I was still in university when I started (3 years to go for my degree). I've been at it for a while, and am continuing with 3 different companies. I've only ever worked freelance.
I was just contacted again by a recruiter with whom I've spoken for several years as she continuously comes to me with job opportunities in the technologies I use and areas I desire. Every time I have to turn her down because I still have continuing development on these projects (one of which is particularly financially incentivizing). In her email she asked if I had any recommendations for Android/iOS developers, and I realized that I don't have any!
This led me to think about a few more points:
I have no experience working in a "team" environment - the most experience I have is my senior Computer Science project at university, but one could hardly call that real-life experience
I have no experience working in a more typical workplace environment (office-ish) - I exclusively work remotely
I've made essentially 0 connections (aside from one of my best friends who is a developer); that means I have no networking capacity, and basically nobody to vouch for my skills, except that I "get results" - my ability to solve problems, write good code, etc. all comes to fruition via the end product (apps, web sites, etc.)
- While I have a portfolio of products that I've created over the years, only one code base is open-source, and that's because it's a website I developed for my university. So almost all the code I've written can't be shown, and I don't have time for personal projects anymore...
All of these points (and probably more!) make me look extremely un-hirable in my opinion. I can't shake this feeling that my freelance work is going to eventually make it very difficult to find a more permanent position. I have a good track record with my clients and they would happily vouch for me as an employee/developer, but they can't say anything about my technical skills because they are non-technical people (managers).
So the question: is my freelancing 'career' detrimental to my ability to find permanent employment as a software developer?
job-search career-development hiring-process software-development freelancing
job-search career-development hiring-process software-development freelancing
edited 5 mins ago
Community♦
1
1
asked 2 days ago


Chris Cirefice
1,0691617
1,0691617
1
It sounds like you're doing well as a freelance if this is your 4th year and regularly getting jobs. Why are you looking for a job in a team?
– Dan
yesterday
add a comment |Â
1
It sounds like you're doing well as a freelance if this is your 4th year and regularly getting jobs. Why are you looking for a job in a team?
– Dan
yesterday
1
1
It sounds like you're doing well as a freelance if this is your 4th year and regularly getting jobs. Why are you looking for a job in a team?
– Dan
yesterday
It sounds like you're doing well as a freelance if this is your 4th year and regularly getting jobs. Why are you looking for a job in a team?
– Dan
yesterday
add a comment |Â
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
up vote
4
down vote
is my freelancing 'career' detrimental to my ability to find permanent
employment as a software developer?
It might be.
I know a lot of freelancers who could easily get hired in a permanent role. But they all developed great professional networks and didn't work solely as a remote worker. I also know plenty of folks that went from freelancing to perm and back again several times.
There's no way to know your unique situation. But if I had to guess, I'd say it's your lack of professional connections and proven history of working on a team that might limit your opportunities.
That said, it only takes one company to hire you. If/when you want to become a permanent employee, you will likely find a chance to do so. It may take longer for you, but these days there are plenty of jobs available.
You could expand your professional network now by attending seminars, going to meetups, taking freelance gigs that aren't solely remote, etc. That could put you in a better position to be ready to jump to perm, if that is of interest down the road.
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Are you a fantastic programmer? If so, I'll hire you tomorrow.
(Also, I'd be so desperate to hire you, you could rip us off on money, probably not put in much effort, and leave when you feel like it or get a better offer - and I'd still consider myself lucky.)
If you have a fantastic grasp of offline-first engineering, total low-level mastery of a few languages, true expertise up and down the stack, can write shaders all day, can quote every page of this book, address every problem as a tools-first problem, can show me a few apps or products you've worked on that have made millions, and have a few spectacular answers on stackoverflow, you're in.
The issues and concerns you mention in your question (something about .. "no contacts" or something .. I just glossed over it and couldn't follow what you were saying, since it didn't seem to relate to Quaternions, OpenGL, nodes, etc) seem irrelevant.
In short, looks like you're good to go!
It's quite fun to work (ie, salaried role) at a larger company for a year - why not give it a go?
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
is my freelancing 'career' detrimental to my ability to find permanent employment as a software developer?
Yes it is in general, and definitely in your situation.
For the reasons you have already outlined and because many companies avoid freelancers if they can because like any other entrepreneurs they're used to being in charge and it's pot luck how they will fit into a team under authority. Also there is always the chance they will be moonlighting or a project comes along and they jump ship.
Your best chances are to work full time for a client that already knows and values you.
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Possibly, but it depends more on you individually... do you want to work in a structured team setting? That's the 1:1 answer to your question.
You can obviously code and produce finished products by yourself, which... not everybody in the industry can, so full stack positions seem appealing, so let's assume the tech skills aren't going to be a problem. Adjusting to business culture however is and you have to be willing to do it.
But, as with everything, search enough, find a mom and pop shop and then you'll be the sole developer with business funding for your endeavors, so there's opportunities to be had for all types of personalities (avoid Agile shops probably).
add a comment |Â
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4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
4
down vote
is my freelancing 'career' detrimental to my ability to find permanent
employment as a software developer?
It might be.
I know a lot of freelancers who could easily get hired in a permanent role. But they all developed great professional networks and didn't work solely as a remote worker. I also know plenty of folks that went from freelancing to perm and back again several times.
There's no way to know your unique situation. But if I had to guess, I'd say it's your lack of professional connections and proven history of working on a team that might limit your opportunities.
That said, it only takes one company to hire you. If/when you want to become a permanent employee, you will likely find a chance to do so. It may take longer for you, but these days there are plenty of jobs available.
You could expand your professional network now by attending seminars, going to meetups, taking freelance gigs that aren't solely remote, etc. That could put you in a better position to be ready to jump to perm, if that is of interest down the road.
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
is my freelancing 'career' detrimental to my ability to find permanent
employment as a software developer?
It might be.
I know a lot of freelancers who could easily get hired in a permanent role. But they all developed great professional networks and didn't work solely as a remote worker. I also know plenty of folks that went from freelancing to perm and back again several times.
There's no way to know your unique situation. But if I had to guess, I'd say it's your lack of professional connections and proven history of working on a team that might limit your opportunities.
That said, it only takes one company to hire you. If/when you want to become a permanent employee, you will likely find a chance to do so. It may take longer for you, but these days there are plenty of jobs available.
You could expand your professional network now by attending seminars, going to meetups, taking freelance gigs that aren't solely remote, etc. That could put you in a better position to be ready to jump to perm, if that is of interest down the road.
add a comment |Â
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
is my freelancing 'career' detrimental to my ability to find permanent
employment as a software developer?
It might be.
I know a lot of freelancers who could easily get hired in a permanent role. But they all developed great professional networks and didn't work solely as a remote worker. I also know plenty of folks that went from freelancing to perm and back again several times.
There's no way to know your unique situation. But if I had to guess, I'd say it's your lack of professional connections and proven history of working on a team that might limit your opportunities.
That said, it only takes one company to hire you. If/when you want to become a permanent employee, you will likely find a chance to do so. It may take longer for you, but these days there are plenty of jobs available.
You could expand your professional network now by attending seminars, going to meetups, taking freelance gigs that aren't solely remote, etc. That could put you in a better position to be ready to jump to perm, if that is of interest down the road.
is my freelancing 'career' detrimental to my ability to find permanent
employment as a software developer?
It might be.
I know a lot of freelancers who could easily get hired in a permanent role. But they all developed great professional networks and didn't work solely as a remote worker. I also know plenty of folks that went from freelancing to perm and back again several times.
There's no way to know your unique situation. But if I had to guess, I'd say it's your lack of professional connections and proven history of working on a team that might limit your opportunities.
That said, it only takes one company to hire you. If/when you want to become a permanent employee, you will likely find a chance to do so. It may take longer for you, but these days there are plenty of jobs available.
You could expand your professional network now by attending seminars, going to meetups, taking freelance gigs that aren't solely remote, etc. That could put you in a better position to be ready to jump to perm, if that is of interest down the road.
answered 2 days ago


Joe Strazzere
228k110668945
228k110668945
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Are you a fantastic programmer? If so, I'll hire you tomorrow.
(Also, I'd be so desperate to hire you, you could rip us off on money, probably not put in much effort, and leave when you feel like it or get a better offer - and I'd still consider myself lucky.)
If you have a fantastic grasp of offline-first engineering, total low-level mastery of a few languages, true expertise up and down the stack, can write shaders all day, can quote every page of this book, address every problem as a tools-first problem, can show me a few apps or products you've worked on that have made millions, and have a few spectacular answers on stackoverflow, you're in.
The issues and concerns you mention in your question (something about .. "no contacts" or something .. I just glossed over it and couldn't follow what you were saying, since it didn't seem to relate to Quaternions, OpenGL, nodes, etc) seem irrelevant.
In short, looks like you're good to go!
It's quite fun to work (ie, salaried role) at a larger company for a year - why not give it a go?
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Are you a fantastic programmer? If so, I'll hire you tomorrow.
(Also, I'd be so desperate to hire you, you could rip us off on money, probably not put in much effort, and leave when you feel like it or get a better offer - and I'd still consider myself lucky.)
If you have a fantastic grasp of offline-first engineering, total low-level mastery of a few languages, true expertise up and down the stack, can write shaders all day, can quote every page of this book, address every problem as a tools-first problem, can show me a few apps or products you've worked on that have made millions, and have a few spectacular answers on stackoverflow, you're in.
The issues and concerns you mention in your question (something about .. "no contacts" or something .. I just glossed over it and couldn't follow what you were saying, since it didn't seem to relate to Quaternions, OpenGL, nodes, etc) seem irrelevant.
In short, looks like you're good to go!
It's quite fun to work (ie, salaried role) at a larger company for a year - why not give it a go?
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
Are you a fantastic programmer? If so, I'll hire you tomorrow.
(Also, I'd be so desperate to hire you, you could rip us off on money, probably not put in much effort, and leave when you feel like it or get a better offer - and I'd still consider myself lucky.)
If you have a fantastic grasp of offline-first engineering, total low-level mastery of a few languages, true expertise up and down the stack, can write shaders all day, can quote every page of this book, address every problem as a tools-first problem, can show me a few apps or products you've worked on that have made millions, and have a few spectacular answers on stackoverflow, you're in.
The issues and concerns you mention in your question (something about .. "no contacts" or something .. I just glossed over it and couldn't follow what you were saying, since it didn't seem to relate to Quaternions, OpenGL, nodes, etc) seem irrelevant.
In short, looks like you're good to go!
It's quite fun to work (ie, salaried role) at a larger company for a year - why not give it a go?
Are you a fantastic programmer? If so, I'll hire you tomorrow.
(Also, I'd be so desperate to hire you, you could rip us off on money, probably not put in much effort, and leave when you feel like it or get a better offer - and I'd still consider myself lucky.)
If you have a fantastic grasp of offline-first engineering, total low-level mastery of a few languages, true expertise up and down the stack, can write shaders all day, can quote every page of this book, address every problem as a tools-first problem, can show me a few apps or products you've worked on that have made millions, and have a few spectacular answers on stackoverflow, you're in.
The issues and concerns you mention in your question (something about .. "no contacts" or something .. I just glossed over it and couldn't follow what you were saying, since it didn't seem to relate to Quaternions, OpenGL, nodes, etc) seem irrelevant.
In short, looks like you're good to go!
It's quite fun to work (ie, salaried role) at a larger company for a year - why not give it a go?
answered 2 days ago
Fattie
5,09131220
5,09131220
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
is my freelancing 'career' detrimental to my ability to find permanent employment as a software developer?
Yes it is in general, and definitely in your situation.
For the reasons you have already outlined and because many companies avoid freelancers if they can because like any other entrepreneurs they're used to being in charge and it's pot luck how they will fit into a team under authority. Also there is always the chance they will be moonlighting or a project comes along and they jump ship.
Your best chances are to work full time for a client that already knows and values you.
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
is my freelancing 'career' detrimental to my ability to find permanent employment as a software developer?
Yes it is in general, and definitely in your situation.
For the reasons you have already outlined and because many companies avoid freelancers if they can because like any other entrepreneurs they're used to being in charge and it's pot luck how they will fit into a team under authority. Also there is always the chance they will be moonlighting or a project comes along and they jump ship.
Your best chances are to work full time for a client that already knows and values you.
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
is my freelancing 'career' detrimental to my ability to find permanent employment as a software developer?
Yes it is in general, and definitely in your situation.
For the reasons you have already outlined and because many companies avoid freelancers if they can because like any other entrepreneurs they're used to being in charge and it's pot luck how they will fit into a team under authority. Also there is always the chance they will be moonlighting or a project comes along and they jump ship.
Your best chances are to work full time for a client that already knows and values you.
is my freelancing 'career' detrimental to my ability to find permanent employment as a software developer?
Yes it is in general, and definitely in your situation.
For the reasons you have already outlined and because many companies avoid freelancers if they can because like any other entrepreneurs they're used to being in charge and it's pot luck how they will fit into a team under authority. Also there is always the chance they will be moonlighting or a project comes along and they jump ship.
Your best chances are to work full time for a client that already knows and values you.
answered 2 days ago


Kilisi
99.4k55226390
99.4k55226390
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Possibly, but it depends more on you individually... do you want to work in a structured team setting? That's the 1:1 answer to your question.
You can obviously code and produce finished products by yourself, which... not everybody in the industry can, so full stack positions seem appealing, so let's assume the tech skills aren't going to be a problem. Adjusting to business culture however is and you have to be willing to do it.
But, as with everything, search enough, find a mom and pop shop and then you'll be the sole developer with business funding for your endeavors, so there's opportunities to be had for all types of personalities (avoid Agile shops probably).
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Possibly, but it depends more on you individually... do you want to work in a structured team setting? That's the 1:1 answer to your question.
You can obviously code and produce finished products by yourself, which... not everybody in the industry can, so full stack positions seem appealing, so let's assume the tech skills aren't going to be a problem. Adjusting to business culture however is and you have to be willing to do it.
But, as with everything, search enough, find a mom and pop shop and then you'll be the sole developer with business funding for your endeavors, so there's opportunities to be had for all types of personalities (avoid Agile shops probably).
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
Possibly, but it depends more on you individually... do you want to work in a structured team setting? That's the 1:1 answer to your question.
You can obviously code and produce finished products by yourself, which... not everybody in the industry can, so full stack positions seem appealing, so let's assume the tech skills aren't going to be a problem. Adjusting to business culture however is and you have to be willing to do it.
But, as with everything, search enough, find a mom and pop shop and then you'll be the sole developer with business funding for your endeavors, so there's opportunities to be had for all types of personalities (avoid Agile shops probably).
Possibly, but it depends more on you individually... do you want to work in a structured team setting? That's the 1:1 answer to your question.
You can obviously code and produce finished products by yourself, which... not everybody in the industry can, so full stack positions seem appealing, so let's assume the tech skills aren't going to be a problem. Adjusting to business culture however is and you have to be willing to do it.
But, as with everything, search enough, find a mom and pop shop and then you'll be the sole developer with business funding for your endeavors, so there's opportunities to be had for all types of personalities (avoid Agile shops probably).
answered 2 days ago


RandomUs1r
70929
70929
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
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1
It sounds like you're doing well as a freelance if this is your 4th year and regularly getting jobs. Why are you looking for a job in a team?
– Dan
yesterday