Doug Hughes is a veteran programmer who
founded Alagad after briefly flirting with a career in computer animation.
Doug has a strong record of achievement with large, complex web applications.
His ability to learn and apply new technologies and techniques has helped Doug become one of the web application
development industry’s most highly regarded experts.
Doug’s current focus at Alagad is leading an application development team dedicated to helping organizations improve operational efficiency and performance. This commitment to client success has helped Alagad achieve record growth. A frequent speaker at industry conferences and user groups, Doug also regularly contributes to several well-known open source projects. In addition, his articles have been featured in numerous technical publications.
If you've recently lost your job, please read this blog entry.
Just a few moments ago, a good friend of mine from the Adobe developer community called me to give me some advanced warning. Apparently yet another high profile developer is about to lose his job. He suggested that Alagad might have an interest in hiring that person. Truth be told, this developer is exactly the type of person Alagad wants on staff.
However, Alagad has already added four people this year (twice as many as I'd planned on for the first half of he year). We've got plenty of work, but not such an overabundance that we are hiring at this moment. Unfortunately, I can't simply bring someone on just because they're exceptional. I have to have the opportunity that matches the individual.
And that brings me to the point of this article. Yes, there is blood in the water. A few of our brethren have lost their jobs recently. However, there are still plenty of good projects available! And, the developer community is made up of people who know about these projects. You yourself may know of an opportunity.
Many out of work developers are exploring contracting opportunities while they wait to land their next gig. Perhaps you know of a project you could work on or a company who needs help. Heck, the very company that laid you off may have an upcoming project they plan to outsource. Yes, you could go after that contract yourself, but most developers rightly shy away from that. Contracting can be a headache. Do you really want to handle the sales process, the legal process, the project management and everything else? Not to mention taxes. And, what if your client decides not to pay you?!
Why not make it easy on yourself? Contact me about your project. If I can land the project I'll bring it on under the Alagad umbrella and put you on the project. Alagad will handle the sales process, the paperwork and legalese, project management, and follow up work. You'll work as the developer on the project and we'll even pay you bi-weekly. If things go well maybe we'll even hire you on full time eventually!
Think about it and drop me an email at dhughes@alagad.com if you're interested.
What a wonderful idea Doug! This is something the CF community should use as an example - this is what a community is all about!
Kind regards
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Excellent note, Doug, and great work keeping folks in the loop. If you are one of those out there who know of opportunities or openings, or even good people looking for them, make sure to communicate it. Our community's strength is how much we look out for each other.
Posted By: Eric Hoffman on Mar 7, 2009 at 12:00 AM