In todays market where developers are commoditized “resources” it’s only logical for the “ninjas” or “superstars” who repeatedly see their role being perceived as “working bees” who don’t want to fall into this management / worker dichotomy or choose serving a “management” queen.. to rebel and redefine the work as they see fit, a good enough business where work is done and is more aligned with the interests of the working class, so no VCs and no conforming to top to bottom hierarchies.. just work
I left Software Architect / UI position at big corp when management had ordered to use then-hot Angular on large web app. Without investigation, acceptance testing, etc. Just unconditional directive.
I had Sciter[1] prototype at that moment - used as self-teaching tool to understand how browsers work.
Since then I am almost solo (one or two contractors sometimes) on the project. ~10 years of non-disturbed (literally) flight.
You might be surprised. Instagram was bought for 1B and had 13 employees at that time.
"Instagram launched 10 years ago. By the time it was bought by Facebook in 2012, it only had 13 employees — including founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger."
Probably seems more rare because the only stories you hear are "X raises 100 million" instead of "X is a profitable company serving a tiny niche making 100 million in revenue"
Is that a necessary condition though or due to the environment? A security company I worked for got acquired and in a relatively short time they went from 100 to 300 to 600 quickly in preparation for the acquisition. I am not sure those people were required for the valuation or if they were part of the standard game plan of a sale.
You exchange the relationship from boss to customer and business partner. You divide your customer facing work unto three categories: DELIVERY, MANAGEMENT, STEERING
The relationship must be strong and you must have a working relationship, can never be caustic. Make sure that you are making the customer shine, always. Be a trusted advisor when you can. Say yes a lot, but setting expectations and saying no is also okay and important.
Risk tolerance and thick skin is key. The financial reward is sky high.
