When I returned to the world of mobile app development, I started by taking on small freelance jobs. Shortly after, I had the opportunity to join a talent agency that offers outsourcing and staff augmentation services to other companies. Later, I decided to work with smaller agencies that, while offering less job protection, presented several advantages. Finally, more recently, I have chosen to contact companies directly, avoiding intermediaries, to secure more direct and aligned contracts with my professional goals.
One option I have not yet explored is working for a large technology company with a national presence. These companies can offer attractive benefits and local growth opportunities.
There is another option that I haven’t explored personally but also offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages: relocating to countries like the United States, the European Union, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand, etc. This path may be interesting for developers seeking a lifestyle change or new opportunities in more developed tech markets.
1. Small freelance jobs
- Advantages:Complete flexibility in work hours and location.Freedom to choose projects that interest you. Opportunity to build a diverse portfolio and showcase your skills. Direct income without intermediaries reducing your earnings.
- Disadvantages:Financial instability and lack of job security.Difficulty in finding consistent and well-paying projects.Full responsibility for administrative aspects (invoicing, taxes, contracts).Lack of benefits such as health insurance or paid vacations.
2. Working for a talent agency (outsourcing and staff augmentation)
- Advantages:Access to large-scale projects with global companies that can be hard to reach independently.Job stability and benefits like health insurance, paid vacation, and training opportunities.Experience working with international teams and cutting-edge technologies.Building a solid resume with well-known brands and projects.If a project ends or layoffs occur, employees are usually placed in a talent pool, maintaining their pay and benefits until reassignment to another project, offering a safety net, especially for junior and middle developers, ensuring continuous growth and learning.
- Disadvantages:Limited autonomy and control over the projects you work on.May lack a sense of belonging, as you work for the client rather than the company that employs you.Part of the income goes to the agency, limiting earning potential.Limited professional growth opportunities, as the focus is more on selling talent than developing long-term careers.High tax burden, which significantly reduces the net salary received.
3. Working with smaller agencies
- Advantages:Greater flexibility and direct communication with management, allowing for a closer relationship.Opportunity to negotiate better terms tailored to your needs.More multifunctional roles, which help expand skills and experiences.They usually pay in dollars with competitive rates.Some smaller agencies may work with interesting and innovative startups, providing unique and engaging projects.Under a B2B contract scheme, you can benefit from Mexico’s RESICO fiscal regime, which significantly reduces tax pressure, freeing up a considerable amount of your earnings.
- Disadvantages:Lack of job benefits like health insurance and paid vacations.They often lack the scale of customers and projects that larger agencies have, increasing the risk of unemployment if a project ends or layoffs occur.Less financial stability if the company loses key clients or faces financial issues.Absence of formal structures for professional training and development.
4. Contacting companies directly without intermediaries
- Advantages:Direct negotiation of salary and work conditions without intermediaries taking a percentage.Autonomy in choosing projects and companies that align with your interests and goals.Opportunities to build closer relationships with the companies and teams you work with.Significant professional growth potential, especially in startups, where you can add value and grow alongside the company.They often pay in dollars, and under a B2B contract, you can benefit from the RESICO fiscal regime, optimizing tax obligations and increasing net income.
- Disadvantages:The search and negotiation process can be longer and more complex, as many companies prefer working with intermediaries.Requires advanced networking skills and the ability to present yourself as a valuable resource.Lack of support in resolving labor or contract-related issues.Fewer training and certification opportunities than those offered by agencies as part of their benefits.
5. Relocating to countries like the United States, the European Union, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand
- Advantages:Access to highly developed tech markets and job opportunities with leading industry companies.Potential to earn significantly higher salaries compared to local markets.Exposure to a broad professional network and growth opportunities in various tech sectors.Full employment benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid vacation, and standardized work permits.Multicultural experience and personal development from living in an international environment.
- Disadvantages:Complicated visa and migration processes that may require time and resources.Significantly higher living costs in many of these countries, which can affect the initial quality of life.Adapting to new cultures and potential language barriers, depending on the country.Risk of job instability if permanent visas are not secured, which can limit long-term options.Distance from family and friends, which can be a personal and emotional challenge.
6. Working for a large technology company with a national presence
- Advantages:Competitive salaries and benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation, and stock options.Professional growth opportunities, including internal promotions and the possibility of relocation abroad.Job stability and access to professional training and development programs.
- Disadvantages:Salaries are considerably lower compared to markets in developed countries.High tax burden, which significantly affects the net salary received.Less exposure to international markets and fewer opportunities to work on global projects.
This journey has allowed me to explore various ways to develop my career in mobile app development and understand that each strategy has its own set of particularities. The choice depends on your priorities, needs, and professional goals. Which of these strategies would you prefer?
