For all the programmers, developers, and related that are going through downsizing (of any kind)...
Be sure to collect contact info from others that you like and might want to work with.
Form a consulting company and be sure to make it known you are available - especially to make corrections to the code generated by LLM systems.
Billing should include the profit you want, plus the taxes you will have to pay (get an accountant) -- to include full amount of Soc. Security, and more.
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Note...: do not give away your time for free.
Some people think $30 to $50 per hour is the right amount. BUT THAT IS WAY off and you will be screwed at tax time.
In my area - folks I know ... the value is between $120 and $200 an hour. Do not sell yourself short.
Absolutely DO NOT take on work when the buyer suggests it will be good for your portfolio. Those folks will not be around when you're out on the streets with a great portfolio and hungry...
Yes to all of this! Also have to factor in that there will be down time between projects, but you still need to eat, pay rent, etc.
I was at $125/hr when I retired 15 years ago, I would think $200/hr would be the minimum now.
John Burns
Wandering Hermit