[jordan801]

Contract work would work similarly for engineers. Do it on your own time if you have a job.

They can ask the current team questions via chat. Get some real code into PRs and prove that they have skills.

Personally I don't even apply to jobs anymore. I am tired of 6+ hour code reviews that I don't get paid for, and no explanation when I get passed up.

I would much rather be a contract worker and get paid at least something while doing actual work, over building a search engine for star wars characters.

I'm exactly like what you describe. When I leave the office, I want to camp, rock climb, and prep for marathons. I don't want to spend more time coding. That's exactly what makes me absolutely disgusted with applying for new opportunities. Eight interviews with various people, just to get ghosted. Time I could have been improving at other passions. Instead I'm left with no time, no indication of what I can improve on, and no job.

[Icathian]

I see sentiments like this expressed sometimes, and I'm usually a bit confused. Are you currently employed, and if so is it in a permanent role or as a contractor? What do you plan to do the next time you want to change jobs?

Genuinely curious here, I only know one model and it works well enough for me, but you seem to have a different one and I'd like to know more about it.

[jordan801]

I have been fully employed for years. Though I have sought a less abusive relationship a number of times.

Obviously, should my current security evaporate, I would resolve to deal with the process.

I'm not entirely sure what you're confused about. Nor, what model you refer to.