realtalk41
Newbie
- May 18, 2026
- 16
- 11
Hello,
I'm an experienced software engineer, mostly working on web dev, reverse engineering (mobile app RE) and automations. I want to monetize my skills, either through working for someone or making a side-project. I already work full time.
I used to do part time work last year getting $60/hr but once it launched after a few months, the company needed fewer dev hours and the work gradually dried up.
a few specific questions:
1. For someone with ~20 hours a week, is it more realistic to take contract work as i used to, or build a small product? I've made projects but never monetized them as I only did it for the love of the game.
2. Where do you find your clients? either for products or contracting.
3. For those who built products: how did you find the problem you ended up solving? Scratching your own itch? customer conversations?
Would love to hear some feedback
I'm an experienced software engineer, mostly working on web dev, reverse engineering (mobile app RE) and automations. I want to monetize my skills, either through working for someone or making a side-project. I already work full time.
I used to do part time work last year getting $60/hr but once it launched after a few months, the company needed fewer dev hours and the work gradually dried up.
a few specific questions:
1. For someone with ~20 hours a week, is it more realistic to take contract work as i used to, or build a small product? I've made projects but never monetized them as I only did it for the love of the game.
2. Where do you find your clients? either for products or contracting.
3. For those who built products: how did you find the problem you ended up solving? Scratching your own itch? customer conversations?
Would love to hear some feedback