Hiring a developer vs. outsourcing to an agency — what's the difference?

We experienced almost the exact same thing last year. Processes without records never improve, because you don't know what to fix.

Of course, it varies if your situation is different.

Correct.

There's a common mistake people make when doing this. Everyone rushing into hiring a developer gets stuck at the same point.

The real issue isn't the number, but what it's based on. That's all, sorry if I went on too long.

I went through the same thing.

Just a heads-up... Payment schedules should be tied to project phases not calendar dates.

If you have questions write them; Ill answer as best I can.

It's rare to find an explanation this clear. When you try to change everything at once, nothing settles.

If code ownership isn't in the contract, you have no bargaining power when leaving.

Thanks for writing this, that's the right way. Everything goes well for the first three months; problems arise in the fourth.

Let me speak from the other side; I'm on the supplier side. Implementing a change request process doesn't slow things down, it speeds them up.

Just because everyone does it doesn't mean it's right. anyway good luck with that.

We experienced almost the exact same thing last year. The answer varies greatly by industry; there is no one-size-fits-all rule.

Just leaving this note, it might be useful.

If you're going this route, sort this out first. Start with a small trial; don't commit to everything at once.

If you have questions, write them; I'll answer as best I can.

The most overlooked point about hiring a developer is this: If code ownership isn't in the contract you have no bargaining power when leaving.

Correct me if Im wrong.

Absolutely. If I were to add anything: Everything goes well for the first three months; problems arise in the fourth.

If code ownership isn't in the contract, you have no bargaining power when leaving. Hope this helps.

I disagree with you on this point. Hasty decisions become decisions you have to fix six months later.

To get into the details: Just because everyone does it doesn't mean it's right.

That's all, sorry if I went on too long.

It's rare to find an explanation this clear. Access credentials should be opened in the company's name, not personal accounts.

We got stuck at the same point for a while. Everyone rushing into hiring a developer gets stuck at the same point.

Processes without records never improve because you don't know what to fix. If you post the result here, it will help others too.

Thanks for posting.

I don't think this advice fits everyone. Taking notes for two weeks yields better results than a six-month estimate.

Hope this helps.