[DecoPerson]

Just write a clear and concise summary of a contract.

“You get: [these features]”

“I get: [money and the IP]”

“We measure success and payment milestones are triggered by: [Clear KPIs and deadlines]”

Make sure the 1-2 page doc has your name on it, and ask your boss for permission to drop a paper version on the desks of the higher ups.

You can be employed and enter into a separate contract.

Edit: I just re-read the original post and saw that the OP is a software engineer. Ignore everything I said. This sounds like a terrible idea. You’ll burn all your bridges if you pursue this avenue.

[williamdclt]

Why would the company say yes? Seems to me they’d say “no, but that’s a good idea we’re going to have you do that as part of your employment”

[DecoPerson]

If it’s outside your job description, you’re not obliged to do anything.

You’re not a slave. You can say no to your boss. You’re on equal footing (though your boss generally has more power/wealth so can bully/manipulate you). It’s up to your boss as to what they do when you say no. If you’re a good employee when it comes to your usual responsibilities, then they’ll keep you.

If your boss tells you to write software as part of your job and you’re not a software engineer, you can tell them to get stuffed (or sign the contract and both parties benefit!).

Edit: I just re-read the original post and saw that the OP is a software engineer. Ignore everything I said. This sounds like a terrible idea. You’ll burn all your bridges if you pursue this avenue.

[williamdclt]

Yeah, OP being a SWE I don’t think many people would be convinced by “it’s not in their job description”!

They could make that into a high-visibility project showing leadership blahblah, making it into a promotion/raise opportunity rather than a $ opportunity