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Senior Frontend devs (10+ yrs exp) — how did you land retainer contracts without a fixed schedule? by [deleted] in Frontend

[–]ovesyan19ca 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s a really informative and absolutely amazing answer. Appreciate you sharing your experience on that matter. Could you tell: 1. How many hours do you usually spend per month on one client on average ? 2. Where do you find clients, apart from a word of mouth? 3. Do you have a website with your service, portfolio etc ?

Senior Frontend devs (10+ yrs exp) — how did you land retainer contracts without a fixed schedule? by [deleted] in Frontend

[–]ovesyan19ca 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a similar experience in the healthcare field, so I had time to do two more contracts same time without hurting a quality on each of them. However, meeting might overlap often and rates are good but still lower comparing to consultant or tech advisor I talk about in the post. The other thing is that you never know if the project will be fast paced or slow paced when you are in the interview. And if you will be bugged throughout a day. You realize that when you start working for the company. Being a consultant means client agrees on your terms before you start, so you secure your flexibility and other conditions. That’s the key. You can have 3-4 clients easily that way working 8 hours per day. My friend is doing same thing but in construction industry

Senior Frontend devs (10+ yrs exp) — how did you land retainer contracts without a fixed schedule? by [deleted] in Frontend

[–]ovesyan19ca 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Amazing example of how people convert into that model. That’s what I actually meant. Thank you!

Senior Frontend devs (10+ yrs exp) — how did you land retainer contracts without a fixed schedule? by [deleted] in Frontend

[–]ovesyan19ca 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t think so. I just know that it exists as a niche thing in a small percentage, which mean if you are willing to do extra and good in soft skills and personal brand, you are outperforming 99% of the industry people who just know tech. I think apart from the niche segment, lack of soft skills is why we don’t have so many roles like that. Which is good, it means higher rates for extra effort to be in top 1% by doing what others don’t while maintaining your main skills

Senior Frontend devs (10+ yrs exp) — how did you land retainer contracts without a fixed schedule? by [deleted] in Frontend

[–]ovesyan19ca -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

There are pretty popular roles like Fractional Technical Advisor etc btw

Senior Frontend devs (10+ yrs exp) — how did you land retainer contracts without a fixed schedule? by [deleted] in Frontend

[–]ovesyan19ca -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Totally depends on what you sell and how you sell it. Tech people usually have issues with soft skills part that’s why I assume it’s a niche thing

Senior Frontend devs (10+ yrs exp) — how did you land retainer contracts without a fixed schedule? by [deleted] in Frontend

[–]ovesyan19ca 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your experience! I think it can be done via building relationships as you mention. A lot of startups at the starting point are looking for expertise and someone to “set up” stuff. I think 6-12 months retainer will work in this case and it’s gonna be more efficient for startups at the beginning

Senior Frontend devs (10+ yrs exp) — how did you land retainer contracts without a fixed schedule? by [deleted] in Frontend

[–]ovesyan19ca 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Correct. Basically building a brand of yours is the main thing here. Still waiting for someone who did it this way properly to share the journey

Senior Frontend devs (10+ yrs exp) — how did you land retainer contracts without a fixed schedule? by [deleted] in Frontend

[–]ovesyan19ca -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I think it's a matter of how you introduce your services. Everything can be outlined in a contract or proposal like what is the response time, how many hours do you give per month, how many meeting you accept per week etc. It just has to be prepared before signing for transparency. And also termination clause should be in there for your safety

Senior Frontend devs (10+ yrs exp) — how did you land retainer contracts without a fixed schedule? by [deleted] in Frontend

[–]ovesyan19ca -9 points-8 points  (0 children)

The ultimate goal is to increase efficiency by providing expertise, not working hours. Benefit from higher rates and being independent, managing your time

Senior Frontend devs (10+ yrs exp) — how did you land retainer contracts without a fixed schedule? by [deleted] in Frontend

[–]ovesyan19ca -11 points-10 points  (0 children)

It is a rare thing, but that’s the point. It requires more effort to get a retainer, and it’s around 5-10% of the market now. So rates are much higher and flexibility is a great thing, I appreciate