Re: Freelance work - via telecommute

[Chris <cud -at- telecable -dot- es>]

I hate to say it, but with the newly fallen empire of dot.com mania (ok, 
so I'm oversimplifying) it seems there is more resistance to 
telecommuting, not less.  I've been telecommuting from Europe for nearly 
3 years.  My projects come in on time and in budget.  I get the projects 
that other people can't handle.  I get up to speed *fast*.  I program 
for $$$ in C, I know EDA, SGML/XML, B2B, APIs, and a host of other 
buzz-word/acronyms.  I can even spell some of them, ha ha.

These days I hear the following more than I'd like to - "Your resume is 
really strong.  If you plan on moving back to the States, please let us 
know."  Actually, I think this downturn has hit contractors harder than 
usual - the pubs depts already shrank to their optimal fulltime count - 
instead of cutting fulltimers and relying on contractors, they're just 
cutting contractors.  Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong - I'm 
forming rash opinions long-distance.

So what are the resources?  Personal contacts.  Keep in touch with 
previous employers and fellow employees.  As they move around, they may 
see you as the right person for the job.  Also, try to find a contract 
house that is willing to work with you from a distance.  Even these, the 
most progressive and flexible of employers, seem to choke on the idea, 
though.  You can offer them savings, a strong resume, a track record, 
testimonials, etc.  Yet they seem to see a telecommuter as a liability. 
   The fact of the matter is, they will have to sell you to their 
clients.  So in a way, they're right.

Oh gosh, I sound like I'm whining.  I'm not, really.  I just end up 
spending more time looking for work than I used to.  And from a distance 
it's hard to guage what's going on.  It's like fishing - should I change 
my bait?  Look for another pond?  And so it goes.

When things get tight, people tend toward the conservative side of the 
tracks.  But, as H. S. Thompson said, "When the going gets wierd, the 
wierd turn pro."

Cheers              cud


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