[1888franklin]

The "dark side" described here is programmers not using our labor power for the right things, not really a downside to having labor power. Instead of being seduced by fancy campuses, we can insist on better working conditions. I work 15 hours/week, mostly on my own schedule, with low pressure. My free time is more important to me than a six figure salary, living in the valley, or free lunch.

Generally speaking, programmers in the US have the labor power to shape how we work. But many of us buy into a certain idea of what success means and how to get there. Really no one to blame but ourselves on that count.

[ZeroFries]

I would love to do this at some point. May I ask how you managed to get a 15 h/w job?

[cityzen]

I don't think (s)he has a 15 h/w job, they just work 15 hours per week. When you work for yourself you can do this. It takes some time to figure out what works but 15 h/w at $100/hr is ~$6,000/month.

If you do good work and find clients that are willing to work on retainer, it's not that hard. Lots of companies are willing to pay a decent amount to keep someone around that is responsible and does good work.

Also, if you work for yourself, you have to check the salary mentality at the door. You have to start with, "what do i need to make per month to live comfortably" instead of, "Developers usually make $100k a year, so I need to make that".

[1888franklin]

Found a small agency that is oriented towards remote and flexible work. Offered to join w/ the expectation of 15/week. Started as a contractor for them, then switched to hourly employee once it was clear we were a good fit.

At my prior job, I was offered full time. I responded by proposing 35/wk, with a proportional salary reduction. At the next compensation/review meeting, I successfully asked to reduce to 32/wk (same pay).

[J_Darnley]

He is a Linus Torvald, a John Carmack, or a Chris Sawyer. He has the skills, the experience, and the name to demand that.

[copperx]

I'm intrigued now. Who is this 1888franklin?

[J_Darnley]

Honestly, I have no idea. However, that is the kind of person he would need to be to get a 3 hour a day programming job. Or he is full of shit and talking out of his ass but that would be uncivil so I better not say that.

[Mandatum]

Or he's a programmer with a respectable hourly rate (100+) and only works a few days a week remotely who lives in a cheap area. Any decent programmer can attain this.

[1888franklin]

lol nothing like that