I run a successful SaaS platform that's growing and has great potential, but I've been struggling to find reliable part-time freelancers, especially fullstack developers experienced in React and Django. I've primarily used Upwork, but I've had too many bad experiences with developers who waste time, can't complete tasks, or don't really have the skills they claim. I've also noticed an influx of fake profiles and reviews.
I don't need someone full-time since my primary focus is on improving and maintaining my platform while occasionally adding new features. Ideally, I'm looking for a Fractional CTO who can manage a junior team and review their code. Are there quality part-time freelancers out there? Or even reputable fractional CTOs willing to code and provide oversight? If anyone has leads on where to find them or tips for validating skills since I'm not technical enough myself, I'd really appreciate it!
5 Answers
It seems like you've been at this for a while, and if the Upwork devs haven’t worked out, maybe look into building a small team instead. Sometimes outsourcing parts of the project helps in maximizing efficiency. Good luck, man!
I totally get your frustration! I run a small agency and specialize in fullstack and DevOps for SaaS businesses. I can help with coding and also provide fractional CTO services. If you're interested, we could chat more about your project and how I might assist you.
Just a heads up, Toptal tends to favor JavaScript developers. If you need strong HTML/CSS skills, make sure to specify that because they may not evaluate those areas as rigorously.
You might be overestimating the part-time situation. Most experienced devs prefer full-time jobs since they provide stability and better pay. Part-time gigs often attract less experienced developers or those just looking to gain experience, so it could be hard to find someone seasoned who’s interested in part-time work.
I've had a great experience using Toptal and Upstack. Toptal vets their developers, which gives you some assurance of their skills. It's not like Upwork where you often end up with lower quality just to save a buck. You really get what you pay for, so if you want skilled devs, look at those sites instead.
Totally agree! When I switched to Toptal, the quality was night and day compared to Upwork.
Thanks for the suggestion! I'm definitely considering all options.