Loving Money Makes You a Perfect Programmer Slave
Focusing on freedom, instead of money, can unshackle you and jumpstart your self-employment journey in tech.
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The Freedom Mindset: Why Money Isn’t Everything in Self-Employment
Shifting Your Focus from Money to Service
When I first started my career in tech, like many, I thought that making more money would be the key to success and freedom. But after years in the industry, I’ve realized that it’s often the opposite—the less money you make, the more freedom you actually have. And that freedom is what you need to pursue the kind of success that no company can ever offer you.
Now, before you jump to conclusions, let me clarify: I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t make enough money to provide for yourself and your family. Of course, you need to cover your bills. But if you’re going to work for yourself, the first question to ask isn’t “How can I make the most money?” but rather, “Who are a group of people I can genuinely help? What valuable skills can I offer them?” When you focus on serving people powerfully and offering your best, the money tends to follow naturally.
My Early Career Lesson: Money as a Reward (and a Trap)
Early in my career, I worked at a manufacturing software company. After a year on the job, my manager invited me to lunch. I didn’t know what to expect. When I arrived, he handed me a piece of paper detailing a raise—more money than I’d ever made before, even more than my dad, who was a dentist.
My authentic reaction was to thank him and say, “I’m not really doing this for the money.” And at the time, I meant it. I loved working on software, and I wasn’t motivated by financial gain.
However, as the years went by and I received more promotions and pay increases, I started to notice a shift. When I was handed another raise years later, I no longer had the same sense of joy. Instead, I found myself reflecting on the overtime hours, the mistreatment, and the sacrifices I’d made. It became clear to me: the money had become a Band-Aid for giving up my freedom—and control over my career.
The Startup That Failed: When Greed Leads the Way
Fast forward nearly two decades, and I was launching my second startup. Unlike the first time, my motivation was all wrong. I wasn’t driven by a desire to solve a problem or help a group of people. Instead, I just wanted to make a ton of money, cash out, and retire. I was burnt out, disillusioned with the tech industry, and I thought a big payday would fix everything.
But it didn’t. In fact, going into self-employment with money as my primary goal led to poor decisions, wrong motives, and ultimately, failure. It was a hard lesson to learn, but it reinforced the truth: when you make money the central driver of your choices, you lose sight of what really matters.
Finding My True Path: A Mindset Shift
In 2017 when I lost everything and started over, I had to make a choice. I could either chase another high-paying corporate job out of fear and anxiety, or I could make tough decisions, adjust my lifestyle, and find a new direction that aligned with my true purpose.
That’s when I began coaching. At first, I wasn’t making much money. I even did it for free for a while. But over time, as I got better at coaching and genuinely helped more people, my reputation grew. People saw real results, and I started charging more, raising my rates, and offering new services. The income followed, but only after I put service first.
Three Practical Steps Toward More Freedom
If you’re considering self-employment or just looking to gain more freedom in your current role, here are three actionable steps you can take:
- Reduce Your Monthly Expenses When I hit rock bottom, I had to make difficult lifestyle changes. I sat down with my wife and kids and explained that our spending habits needed to change. While not easy, reducing expenses gives you the flexibility to take risks and pursue opportunities that align with your purpose rather than just paying the bills.
- Focus on Your Highest-Value Skills Even if you’re still working a day job, start prioritizing tasks where your strengths shine. Do an amazing job at what you love and where you make the biggest impact. This approach not only increases your value to your employer but also prepares you for a smoother transition if you decide to work for yourself.
- Consider a Gradual Transition to Self-Employment I’m not suggesting you quit your job tomorrow. Instead, start a side gig or a small project on the side. Test the waters, build your skills, and establish a client base before fully jumping into entrepreneurship. Gradual transitions often lead to more sustainable and less stressful outcomes.
Final Thoughts: Serving Others Leads to True Success
Self-employment is not for everyone. It requires courage, a mindset shift, and a willingness to step away from the stability that traditional employment offers. But if you approach it with a heart of service and prioritize helping others over simply making money, you can create a career filled with both purpose and freedom.
If you’re wondering whether self-employment is the right path for you, my DevPathfinder assessment might help. It evaluates whether you’d make a good consultant, entrepreneur, or leader based on insights from my coaching experience.
Ultimately, the journey toward freedom in your career starts with aligning your work with your values and serving others well. When you do that, the money will come—and it will bring with it a sense of fulfillment that no paycheck alone can offer.
About the THRIVING TECHNOLOGIST show
On YouTube and all major podcast networks, Jayme shares teamwork and leadership strategies, guidelines for healthy company culture, and stories about real projects so you can have a sustainable career in the software industry.
Jayme Edwards
A family man and veteran of nearly 40 software projects, Jayme experienced many wins and losses over his career as an architect and consultant.
Now he's coaching software developers, managers, and business owners to overcome challenges in the IT industry - so they keep growing.