>>Michelle --
>>
>>>
>>>I was actually thinking about this. I'm just not sure how to go about it. Somehow I think if I walked up to a charity and asked them if they needed any software written, I'd get blank looks. That's one thing I don't get about this business. How do you find out who needs programs written?
>>>
>>
>>Call them up, tell them you'd like to donate your professional services as a software developer.....tell them how many hours a week you're willing to spend and see what happens. A good place to start is government sponsored day care facilities: They almost always have a need for something technical.
>
>That's a place I hadn't considered. Thanks!
>
>-Michelle

Michelle -

Hope you don't mind if I jump in here...this thread has been very interesting and when I got to this part, it was exactly what I was thinking. I work for the federal courts and my son goes to a daycare in the building and they always need all kinds of things. Another parent recently helped set up 3 computers for the kids, so I'm sure they'd appreciate your help. It would also be a good way for you as a future parent to see what life is like on this side;)

By the way, no one mentioned the kid aspect of your contemplated move to independence. I can tell you first hand that having a child wipes out all of your free time and energy (in the first few years at least). I personally think being independant would work better when kids are older (in school). By way of anecdote, though I'm not independant, I've spent a lot of time on my own at home on weekends trying to ramp up in VFP and tryng to meet a deadline for a project. There was a lot of pressure (some of it self-imposed), and I often had a 5 year old running into my 'computer room' wanting to color, glue, asking me when I was going to retire(!). I think many parents will tell they're grateful to be able to 'go to work'. Just something to consider...

Sylvia