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Writing code for 20y. "Official" workforce something like 10y. MS and PhD in Comp Sci. Software Dev as a part of research project during that time, so 6y there. Day-jobbing as a developer now for ~3y. Freelancing for the past 6-7 years part time.

Knowing what I know now, I'd have started freelancing earlier in grad school, I missed out for most of the MS. Once I started that finances got easier and lets face it I had plenty of free time before I had kids (even with all the research).

I'd probably still do the PhD, I enjoy the intellectual stimulation that comes from science + programming. It's a nice change of pace from the apps and enterprise software I work on while freelancing




Any advice in particular for freelancing while doing a PhD? I just started my first year, and I would like to keep a foot in industry and ease a bit the finances.


It's really tempting to slack off on the PhD when you get a big contract, but if you're serious about the PhD do not put it second. If you're in classes still, you should be good for a while, but once you get into research it will really depend on your advisor. e.g. I worked on research all-out 3 days a week and then had 2-3 full days each week to freelance while still maintaining a social life.

Also, depending on your stipend, be selective with clients. If they seem like jerks don't take on the added stress. It's one benefit of moonlighting when you don't NEED the money to pay the bills.


Thanks!




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