There are some really good comment here already, but my $.02:
My main gig these days was a client at an agency I used to work for. I was the obvious choice for them because I built their software in the first place.
Otherwise, I've gotten contracts through friends, craigslist, and various mailing lists.
Don't underestimate the value of tech-related mailing lists. In the past, when I've been looking really hard, I've been able to get several leads/interviews for contract jobs per week, just from mailing lists.
Also, help other hackers find jobs/contracts. It will come back to you.
My main gig these days was a client at an agency I used to work for. I was the obvious choice for them because I built their software in the first place.
Otherwise, I've gotten contracts through friends, craigslist, and various mailing lists.
Don't underestimate the value of tech-related mailing lists. In the past, when I've been looking really hard, I've been able to get several leads/interviews for contract jobs per week, just from mailing lists.
Also, help other hackers find jobs/contracts. It will come back to you.