Thanks for the info. I have been searching for the contract approach. I've been a Java developer since 2000. I have been an architect and lead. So, I am a senior developer. My latest job offer is also a senior position. "Architect" is not in my career path as I do not like that title. It brings about too much baggage and too little tech. So, I'll keep trying. I'd really like to move out to Fort Collins, Colorado to be with family out that way. But, they aren't a tech city and I need remote work to pull it off.
Colorado feels really under-represented on HN for some reason. On Who's Hiring I've only ever seen at most 2-3 Colorado based companies hiring. However, Fort-collins/Boulder/Denver all have a very rich tech culture if you look hard enough for them.
disclaimer: I'm a senior at Colorado State and have no intention of leaving Colorado.
Apparently Portland Oregon lead the way on this - by focusing in the early 90's on new zoning, bicycle pathways and greener parks, they became a nicer place to live, so people who could move (young,professional) choose to move there - and young professional people attract companies who want to hire them (not it turns out so much the other way round)
this seemed to work so well for Portland it also arose in other nice places to live and work - Denver apparently being a winner in that respect internationally too.
I work in Fort Collins as a technical lead; I've never had trouble finding work here. That being said, there are many more opportunities in Boulder, Longmont and Denver. I've turned away lots of opportunities in order to stay in FC; many of my tech friends have moved further south.
