I’ve never had issues getting jobs without externally visible artifacts. During interviews they ask you to describe projects you’ve worked on. A few companies will also call references. My experience is in the usual Bay Area tech cos, maybe this advice applies better elsewhere.
As far as side projects, most broad clauses are to protect the company. You don’t even need to bring it up to your employer if you’re not competing with them. They don’t care. Even non competes are mostly non enforceable in some states including Cali.
I do agree with the sentiment of being an owner rather than employee though.
I’ve never had issues getting jobs without externally visible artifacts. During interviews they ask you to describe projects you’ve worked on. A few companies will also call references. My experience is in the usual Bay Area tech cos, maybe this advice applies better elsewhere.
As far as side projects, most broad clauses are to protect the company. You don’t even need to bring it up to your employer if you’re not competing with them. They don’t care. Even non competes are mostly non enforceable in some states including Cali.
I do agree with the sentiment of being an owner rather than employee though.