TFS 337:  Breaking the Cycle of Indefinite Engagements

TFS 337: Breaking the Cycle of Indefinite Engagements

Author: Charles M Wood July 16, 2019 Duration: 45:25
Sponsors
  • Sentry– use the code “devchat” for two months free on Sentry’s small plan
  • CacheFly
Panel
  • Erik Dietrich
  • Reuven Lerner
Summary Erik and Rueven define indefinite engagements, warning against staff augmentation type of consulting and contracting gigs. They explain how this is not a good business strategy. Thinking of yourself as a business is the first step to breaking out of these types of engagements. Erik and Reuven give more advice for breaking away including having savings before breaking away, identifying what your best at, market testing and weaning your current client. The benefits and drawbacks of working shorter and more high powered gigs are considered. The episode ends with a discussion of the importance of maintaining good relationships and a good reputation.  Links Picks Erik Dietrich: Reuven Lerner:

Charles M Wood hosts The Freelancers' Show, a conversation built on the understanding that running your own business involves far more than just doing the work. Each episode digs into the real, often unspoken, challenges of independent life. You’ll hear practical discussions about finding and retaining clients, setting sustainable rates, and navigating the complexities of self-employment taxes and contracts. The focus extends beyond mere marketing tactics to include managing your time and energy, avoiding burnout, and creating a professional lifestyle that actually works for you. This podcast recognizes that continuous learning is non-negotiable, so topics often explore skill development and adapting to new industry trends. It’s a resource for anyone who wants to think more strategically about their freelance career, moving from just getting by to building something resilient and rewarding. Tune in for honest talk that balances the entrepreneurial excitement with the grounded advice needed to make it last.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Freelancers' Show
Podcast Episodes
BONUS: Relationships Matter Most [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:59
Charles Max Wood talks about how to build, grow, and benefit from positive relationships within programming. He talks about how he's built genuine positive relationships with hundreds of programmers and how he and others…
BONUS: How Opportunities Come Your Way When You're an Influencer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:33
Charles Max Wood discusses several opportunities that came his way early in his podcasting career and other opportunities that have come to other people after only a couple of podcast episodes. He explains why that happe…
BONUS: How Opportunities Come Your Way When You're an Influencer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:51
Charles Max Wood discusses several opportunities that came his way early in his podcasting career and other opportunities that have come to other people after only a couple of podcast episodes. He explains why that happe…
BONUS: How Jason Weimann Became a Game Developer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:04
Jason Weimann started out as an enthusiast of the Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game, Everquest. After becoming a software developer and building a collaborative community playing the game, learn how he used…
BONUS: How Jason Weimann Became a Game Developer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:14
Jason Weimann started out as an enthusiast of the Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game, Everquest. After becoming a software developer and building a collaborative community playing the game, learn how he used…