Experienced employees can become frustrated when their skills and contributions are no longer valued.

In this story, a woman left her full-time job as a software developer after experiencing harassment and feeling ignored at work.

She later found contract work suited her better, allowing her to work for several months before taking breaks.

Other conditions like low pay and constant demands now leave her questioning the future of her career.

Check out the full details below.

Quit full time went to contract work. Never been happier

I am a software developer for 15+ years.

I wrote AI models before ChatGPT became a household name.

I’m not against hard work or a challenge.

I refuse to participate in this system anymore as it is until things change.

This woman moved to contract work.

I quit my last full-time job in 2024. I was harassed and never taken seriously.

I’m a female in the industry, but my last place was the worst. I quit on the spot.

I found contract work to be way better for how my mind works.

I work for 6 to 12 months, then just end it. Take a break, then repeat.

I’ve had 2 contracts, but I wasn’t crazy about them. I quit amicably when they ended.

She quit full-time work since she had other contingency plans.

Sadly, the last year or so has been extremely rough for devs with vibe coding horsecrap getting worse everywhere.

They want to pay peanuts, and people are desperate enough. They take junior salaries even with experience.

The recruiters get angry with me because I don’t put up with their crappy stipulations and low pay.

I have enough financial security for a good while to wait it out. I have other contingency plans if I have to.

I’m sad I’m being pushed out like this, but I can’t stoop to that level to take less pay than I should.

I just want decent pay, work for a set period, then take time to do what I want to for as long as I want.

She got tired of corporate rules that don’t make sense.

I’m tired of getting called on nights/weekends/vacations when something breaks.

I’m tired of the pointless performance reviews with no meaningful pay attached.

I’m tired of people being angry when stuff breaks, then expecting a miracle fix instantly.

I’m tired of people coming to me for help privately 1:1 but simultaneously telling me publicly in meetings I don’t know what I’m talking about and/or taking credit for my work.

Full-time, corporate jobs are not for everyone.

After more than 15 years in software development, it is understandable that OP wanted better work arrangements.

Contract work may not be as stable as a full-time role, but at least she gets to work on projects she wants.

Let’s see how others reacted to this story.

Here’s an inspiring remark.

Contract life is a lifesaver, says this one.

This person gives their honest opinion.

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about an employee who was fired because of a coworkers lies, only to get the chance for revenge years later.

This user is curious

Finally, here’s another personal experience.

Sometimes, the best career move is choosing one that respects your preferences and boundaries.