In recent years, it has become not having coworkers.
I'm a better coder than I used to be, so the software development itself is easier than it once was. But what was very hard was that after the dot-com crash, the clients always demanded fixed-cost contracts, they were never willing to pay hourly any more.
If I ran into an unexpected obstacle, I'd have to eat the cost of it. I always completed on my deliverables, as I regard that as the ethical thing to do. Even if I didn't, I had my reputation to consider.
Have you tried getting a shared office space somewhere? Maybe even where other programmers sit as well? I share an office and see people that way. If you share office with people in the same business you can also easily discuss any problems that occur and maybe get help?
that's my plan, once I get enough paying work in it to pay the rental. A private desk at Portland's Nedspace is $450.00, a "hot desk" is $350.00. I don't really need my own personal desk but the private desk option gives one 24-hour access, which I really do require as I am a confirmed night owl.
Until then, I hang out at wifi spots but it is uncommon to find other coders at any of them.
My name is Anton Sten and I'm a UI/UX designer with 15 years of experience. I'm no stranger to work in unsexy spaces (have experience from working with pension plans to anti depressives).
I have a portfolio at www.lepetitgarcon.com but would really like to discuss this opportunity with you in order to better understand how I can be of service.
Looking forward to hearing back from you - feel free to email me (anton@lepetitgarcon.com) and we can setup a Skype call. I'm based in Sweden but do a lot of work for US-based companies.
