Ask HN: Part time developer reality check
A developer working remotely part-time while handling childcare asks whether part-time developer roles are realistically available, noting that most listings on HN and LinkedIn appear to be full-time or not in their city. They also mention professional isolation due to reduced in-person contact with former colleagues.
Background
- Hacker News (HN) is a tech-industry discussion forum run by Y Combinator; "Ask HN" posts are community Q&A threads. This one asks about the feasibility of finding part-time software engineering roles.
- The poster is a developer who reduced hours to handle childcare, typical of the "primary caregiver + remote worker" dynamic common after COVID. They worry that the market for part-time, remote development work may have dried up.
- The broader context: 2022–2024 saw massive tech layoffs and a shift from the earlier "remote-friendly" hiring boom. Full-time roles dominate listings; part-time or reduced-hours positions are rare and often buried or mislabeled.