Why would a USA-based developer, who is already employed, want to work with Toptal? To be fair, a good number probably wouldn’t. Most of those who wouldn’t consider it are lazy, but a few are justified in not seeking any extra work.
The lazy ones are those who are generally satisfied with the status quo. They don’t hustle, and in their minds, they wonder why bother? They have it pretty good, and mediocrity is okay (or so they think).
The smaller, second group of US developers who wouldn’t consider working with Toptal are the elite developers. They command over $1000 per day and have more work than they can do. Admittedly, this group is small, and it makes perfect business sense why they have no need of any help in getting work. They already have too much to do and are making excellent money by any standard.
However, back to the main question. Why would (or perhaps it should be “why should”) a US developer, who is currently employed, want to work with Toptal?
The reasons are money and experience. Every new project that you work on gives you new insights and makes you a better programmer. Think of it this way. After you finish a day working at your full-time job, there are extra hours that can be turned into money. Most people waste this time with TV or internet surfing. Yet, more money is better than less money; this is a universal truth.
The added experience from working on more projects also creates a virtuous cycle. More experience makes you a better developer. Being a better developer allows you to ask for and get a better rate. Experience leads to more money and better experience which leads to more money again.
This is why I want to work with Toptal.
