Ask HN: I'm 15 and am looking for a long-term gig

Hey, I think you got inspired by the (similar) thread I posted (http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4079567). It's great to see someone who shares my interests. While I don't have any jobs to offer, I can tell you this: contributing to open source software is one of the best ways to gain experience. (How about contributing to RoR?)

Still, you could get in touch with me - I have some projects that I might need some help with (though I probably can't afford help right now.) If nothing else, we could at least chat for a while :)

If you'll permit me to share some wisdom with you,

I'm a bit older than you (20, which could be mountains by your reckoning). I do consulting now in sunny San Francisco and am altogether very satisfied with my pay, station in life and the work I've accomplished hitherto. I'd like to think this gives me some ground to speak on.

I was once in your shoes, given my lack of any sort of advanced age, I was wholly without opportunity. I endeavored in various fruitless directions before my first real financial success (inasmuch as a 14 year old can be financially successful). The biggest bump to my career (also all-around credibility) was the first open source project I ever did ( http://zv.github.com/work/swiftcrack/ ).

It may be true that it was only able to attract a small number (19,000 downloads) of largely Japanese fans, but by Jove, they were rabid. When all was said and done, I made around $5,000 shooting the shit about wireless security to people interested in my work (forgive my language). I'm firmly confident that none of them had the remotest clue I was 14. I would do something like this if I found myself in your shoes (like maybe become an expert of NoSQL databases by working on the hit new database thats sweeping the land called Artifact??? zv.github.com/artifact ).

how can I reach you privately?

Hey, I just turned 16 and I am in a similar position. I'm @asselinpaul on Twitter. I'd like to talk to you about your previous jobs ;) If you don't have Twitter, my email is: 'pa.asselin@gmail.com'

I'm working on a startup that's joining a competitive accelerator program next month--though, we won't be able to pay you $60-80/hr, we can figure something out.

Shoot me an email if you're interested, shrig94@gmail.com

I'm a 17-year-old passionate designer and the founder of Viatask. I've learned a lot and would definitely love to help out other teenagers. Feel free to contact me (Twitter: @_shahedk or Email: shahed [at] viatask.com)

Can we see any examples of your work?

Email yes@nofavorite.com