[hello_moto]

I see that your niche is in C/C++ world (with some Obj-C), low-level stuff.

Mind if I ask how's the market and what kind of clients (companies?) that you worked with? If you don't feel comfortable sharing the list, would you be able to share some hints?

Out of curiosity because my background in college is more towards System programming but life puts me as a full-stack and backend/cloud engineering. Gettin a bit tired with too many backend tech (too many different storage solutions, backend languages, etc)

[ChristopherM]

Most of my clients tend to be Medical Device startups, but I did have a really long relationship with a major food manufacturer. While it makes sense for them to hire full time software engineers for some of the work, they always have a hard time finding device driver experts. Also they tend to attract less experienced engineers, so having me on board helps to manage and mentor their team. And I'm generally the one laying out the architecture and breaking the project into smaller parts so their engineers can implement it.

If you want to break into consulting, you have to figure out which field you want to be in. I'd avoid anything that has a boot-camp available for it, that's a race to the bottom. Then you need to get at least 10 years experience working in the field, preferably at a variety of companies, and make friends and business contacts at each place.

[hello_moto]

Thanks for the insight.

I have 10+ years working experience mostly in Cloud (think Java/GoLang/Python, AWS, Kafka, DB backed system, with 4+ years in front-end JS).

Less experience in device-driver/OS development, system programming. I'm definitely interested to explore Linux/FreeBSD/Kernel or Device Driver type of work for fun. Would be great if I can make a living.

Would also love C++ experience, but prefer not writing AppServer bizlogic type if possible, I'd rather do it in another platform.