I'm also an experienced programmer (7+ years). I left to do my own thing for 9 months, and the venture ended without success. But what I built was interesting, and I made sure to give talks at local meetups to put my face out there during those 9 months.
When I needed to find consulting work, I cold called (emailed) someone at a major US newspaper (a big one) asking if they needed work, explaining what I'd been up to. They were impressed and hired me shortly after. And when I quotes a rate which more than doubled my previous pay (which was nothing to sneeze at) they accepted.
So go for it, but take my advice and get your face out there while you do it. Speak at meetups, write blog posts, and get noticed.
It will shock you how much it can help your career.
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I'm just wrapping up what you're about to start.
I'm also an experienced programmer (7+ years). I left to do my own thing for 9 months, and the venture ended without success. But what I built was interesting, and I made sure to give talks at local meetups to put my face out there during those 9 months.
When I needed to find consulting work, I cold called (emailed) someone at a major US newspaper (a big one) asking if they needed work, explaining what I'd been up to. They were impressed and hired me shortly after. And when I quotes a rate which more than doubled my previous pay (which was nothing to sneeze at) they accepted.
So go for it, but take my advice and get your face out there while you do it. Speak at meetups, write blog posts, and get noticed.
It will shock you how much it can help your career.
Awesome! Thanks, this is just the kind of things I was hoping to hear!
What did u build?