Ask HN: Ever done large contract work?
I have only ever worked at FAANG-like SWE jobs. But I recently realized there are hundreds of RFPs for public and private organizations that pay $100k-$5m for seemingly straightforward software projects. I’m sure there is a lot more to the bidding, PM-ing, and more - but isn’t this a much better deal than the soul-crushing FAANG grind? Or tell me I’m wrong. Oh you are in for a treat if you think a cushy high paid low stress FAANG job is soul crushing. The software writing bit is easy. The extra special experience is managing the clients, who are barely able to manage themselves, and who will behave as stupid and unreasonable and finger-pointing at you for problems they caused as they can, at every opportunity. There are a lot of hidden details, like ensuring that the client pays the bill. As always, I recommend to read whatever pario11 wrote about this https://www.kalzumeus.com/greatest-hits/ Probably https://www.kalzumeus.com/2012/09/17/ramit-sethi-and-patrick... and https://www.kalzumeus.com/2012/09/21/ramit-sethi-and-patrick... none of those projects are ‘straightforward’ and all the contracts are traps if you don’t have a contracting lawyer as your wingman. cave canem.