Professional Software Engineer & Systems Developer
I am very fortunate in having always known what profession I wanted to pursue, and developing software is the only work I have ever done other than two jobs while in high-school. What is rather strange is that in my early years "computers" were unheard of by most people, and most definitely to children in grade school which was when I informed my parents of my intentions. Neither they nor I had ever seen a computer, and we never did have a clue as to how the notion entered my mind. But I was absolutely certain that's what I would, and should, do for a living. It has been a lifelong pursuit as it went from science fiction to reality to study to a hobby and then into a business as I became an entrepreneur at 22yrs in 1987. I am also fortunate for having witnessed firsthand many historical advances in technology and met some of the true masters of the craft who's legacy of achievement is still in use today. And after 36yrs as a software engineer and entrepreneur, it still gives me the same thrill and excitement and the same sense of achievement.
Work Terms
I am not much of a social person and have few friends, and my children are grown adults. So I tend to work quite a bit and at all sorts of times. I only take on projects that interest me and so I do get very thoroughly involved. So I'm willing to work whenever it's best for my client, and as many hours as they'd like. I prefer working on an hourly basis, and my productivity will be obvious very quickly. However I am willing to do a project by fixed cost, but it requires very thorough specifications. I am very flexible about my billing rates. If a project interests me, I will go to great lengths to make hiring me an affordable investment for the client. Generally the rate will depend on the type of work needed, the total hours and the time period. I prefer not to do "a few" hours a week for several months. Or to have a project go on hold for several weeks/months. If there is consistent work needed for at least 3-6 months and the work falls within my skillset then the rate will be very reasonable and negotiable.
The 1 item that is not negotiable, however, is that I only work remotely - with exceptions made for on-site visits as necessary (and under my discretion).