I'm a programmer of several years and would like to start subcontracting but I don't know where to start. I was supposed to be bringing in money with this some time ago and I'm at a point where I need to make things happen or choose a new career path. My github and homepage are linked in my profile for reference.<p>What I've tried: I've been to a few meetups but I can get nervous in crowds and intimidated around good programmers. I've signed up on elance but I don't have the experience to bid or choose projects properly. I've tried networking with my existing social contacts.<p>What I can do: Python, Django REST Framework, PostgreSQL, Clojure. I like databases and I'd rather write raw SQL than use an ORM but Django solves other problems that make it worthwhile. I have some skills with HTML/CSS but I usually modify an existing template instead of writing from scratch. Though I feel most at home on the backend I'll be picking up a frontend framework soon, probably Angular with Bootstrap.<p>What I struggle with: High level design decisions that come with experience, networking.<p>Basically "explain it like I'm five". I would like to work for an experienced contractor who has the ability to code the entire project but wants to farm out the legwork, how do I make that happen? Are there good websites or job-boards I should know about? If I go full-stack JavaScript will I suddenly be in high demand?<p>I'll be checking the thread periodically and my email is in my profile, if you're in downtown Denver I'd be happy to buy you a cup of coffee and chat about it.
Sounds like you need to network and meet people who are in that position.<p>I'd suggest checking out python, django, and other web related meetups in your area and talking to people there.<p>A lot of those meetups accept speakers as well, so if you think you've worked on some domain problem that you can explain well, then create a quick tutorial / presentation and do it.<p>It will help establish some credibility and will make it easier for others to approach you as well.
Why are you interested in subcontracting as opposed to finding a full-time job? Subcontracting is very difficult even when you're experienced, more so if you're relatively junior.<p>Based on what I've seen around Denver/Boulder, most of the Python work is at software companies that don't do as much outsourcing as agencies. I put together a list of +80 web companies around Denver/Boulder, and only a couple work in Python: <a href="https://crowandraven.com/blog/web-design-development-agencies-boulder-denver/" rel="nofollow">https://crowandraven.com/blog/web-design-development-agencie...</a>
I know they sometime get a bad reputation, but have you tried contacting a good recruiter in your area?<p>They will help you with your resume and find you potential contracts (as long as you can pass an interview).<p>Yes, they will take their cut (18 to 33%), but if you never been a subcontractor, it could be a good way to start.