Remote is default, not perk
Most developer job posts now assume remote or hybrid. Competition is global: you’re often compared to candidates in lower cost-of-living regions — and clients know it.
What still matters
- Overlap windows — 3–4 hours with the core team beats “always async.”
- Written communication — design docs, PR descriptions, Loom for complex topics.
- Public proof of work — GitHub, blog posts, conference talks (even small meetups).
- Rate clarity — charge for value and scope, not just hours; see day rates.
Pitfalls
- Disappearing for days without status updates.
- Saying yes to every timezone meeting.
- No portfolio because “NDA on everything.”
Freelance angle
Remote platforms (Upwork, Toptal) reward fast replies and narrow positioning. Generic “remote full-stack” profiles get buried.