Yes, for example, I spent two days implementing a typeahead search results system for Etsy, including writing my own ingestion pipeline, map-reduce framework, index builder, and request processor. Of course Etsy already had their own stuff, this was just a toy done in Java. It was fun. Got offered the job but didn't take it for personal reasons that cropped up concurrent w/ the interview process.
"I spent two days implementing a typeahead search results system for Etsy, including writing my own ingestion pipeline, map-reduce framework, index builder, and request processor."
Seriously? You did all of that? For a take-home interview problem?? Oy. This is why companies get away with this crap...
I'm going to say something harsh, but you really need to hear it: you failed at your number one responsibilty. It doesn't matter that you enjoyed the project or got the job. You need to maintain some level of professional self-respect in these situations. Professionals don't give away their time for free.
If Etsy asked you to do this, they were being abusive. If you did it because you enjoyed it, you signaled to them that you're desperate for the job, not very busy with other interviews, or willing to do work for very little in return. Or some combination thereof. None of these are great signals to send when you want to be treated with respect, and catastrophic signals to send when it's time to negotiate salary. Your time is not worthless.
If you're capable of developing software, being offered $15/hr /even without any interview at all/ is just broken. This is not about the interview process, that's just an old fashioned screwjob. I'm really confused by your situation. What are your qualifications and seriously what kind of compensation are you receiving right now if you are employed? If you want to talk, email me at my username at gmail.
To put things into perspective, I made $30/hr 23 YEARS AGO as a summer intern (coding) in my hometown city's IT department. In an "inland" state. Not even at a monied startup. This was before the dotcom boom, and it was a "government job", which never pay as well as private work.
I'm trying to be a fullstack developer and I'm not working at the moment. I also haven't been sending out a ton of applications (about 6 or 7 so far) because I'm enjoying the ability to work freely.
Anyways, check your inbox I'll send you some more details. I'd love to hear your take.
Alright it sounds like you're applying for higher caliber workplaces, whereas I'm operating somewhere around the junior/mid-level. My feeling is that the article rings more true the lower you are in the foodchain.
I'm guessing Etsy didn't offer you $15/hour, right? :)
