From freelancer to Head of Technology
The decision to join the Mendix-team at SUPERP has provided him with opportunities that he would not have had as a freelancer: broadening his field of expertise and developing both personally and professionally.
The question he asked himself
“Will I retain my autonomy?” Stephan asked himself that question. As a freelancer, he determined his own assignments, his rates, and his working methods. Would that remain the case?
But there was more to it than that. “I realized I had reached my ceiling. As a freelancer, clients saw me as a Mendix consultant for specific assignments. I wanted more: to develop further in terms of content, take on more challenging projects, and contribute strategically. Those opportunities were there, but they were fewer and required more concessions. Clients realized that they could use me in a broader capacity, but that didn’t always fit within the budget or project.”
At SUPERP, he saw those opportunities. Becoming a member of the MT. Advancing to Head of Technology. Broadening his horizons. “That development was less obvious as a freelancer.”
What makes SUPERP different
At SUPERP, Stephan found what he was looking for: room to grow. “As a freelancer, you work for a client on their issues. Here, you work on the company itself. Determining strategy, advancing the organization, helping colleagues grow. That’s a whole different dimension.”
That growth is reflected in concrete things:
- Member of the MT, contributing ideas about the direction
- Guiding colleagues in their development
- Pre-sales and strategic technical issues
- Internal projects alongside client work
Last month was a little quieter at my client’s. I took on internal projects related to AI strategy and quality improvement for our development team. That’s motivating, because you’re doing it in the context of developing the team.
More freedom than expected
Stephen’s biggest surprise? He actually gained freedom. “I work on challenging projects. I decide how I approach my work. I choose when I start, whether I work from home, when I close my laptop. That autonomy is just there.”
The difference: he now also has security. His pension is taken care of, sick leave is covered, and there is always work to do. “That security actually gives me more freedom. The mental space I now have because I no longer have to worry is worth its weight in gold. And with a family and our second child on the way, that’s nice.”
Building something bigger
What does Stephan appreciate most? That he now contributes to the company itself. “As a freelancer, you work for yourself, on other people’s projects. Here, we build MxBlue together. We have ambitions for growth, want to become the best Mendix partner, and be at the forefront of AI. I contribute to that.”
That contribution lies in his role as Head of Technology. “After every performance review, I receive invitations for coffee from colleagues who want to discuss their technical development. I organize knowledge sessions, determine which topics are important, and help the team improve. I think that’s cool.”
And in the MT, he contributes ideas about the direction the company should take. “Which direction are we going in? How is the market changing? Will Mendix still be the right tool in five years’ time? These are very interesting questions.”
His advice to self-employed professionals who are unsure
“Realize that it’s not black and white. It’s not ‘freedom or a permanent contract.’ It’s not ‘independent or confined.’” More importantly: “Ask yourself what makes you happy. For me, that’s just doing good work, with nice people, without any hassle. That’s what I’ve found here.”
He acknowledges that timing also played a role. “Eight years ago, I might have been a different person. Back then, I might have needed that autonomy more. Now I have a family and other priorities. Timing is important.”
The culture that makes the difference
What sets SUPERP apart, according to Stephan? “They treat you like a mature professional. No micromanagement, no unnecessary rules. They trust you to do your job well.”
That culture is reflected in small things:
- Flexible working hours and workplaces
- Freedom in how you work
- Room to make your own choices
- Entrepreneurship is encouraged
If Stephan had to choose three words to describe SUPERP and the Mendix team, he would say: “Warm, craftsmanship, and fun. On Sunday evenings, I think: ah, tomorrow it’s back to work, nice to get back to it.”
The growth that came with it
Nine months later, Stephan looks back on a period of growth. “The opportunities I’ve had here, from Mendix consultant to Head of Technology, from project work to a strategic role, are ones I wouldn’t have had so quickly as a freelancer.”
His message to self-employed professionals who are unsure: “Just look into it. Start the conversation. Look beyond your rate and calculate what you really have left after deducting your accountant’s fees, your pension, and your insurance. The difference is often not as big as you think.”
“And ask yourself what autonomy means to you. That flexibility and freedom? I have that here too. Plus a team, plus security, plus opportunities for growth. For me, it was the right choice.”
Do you recognize yourself in Stephan’s story?
Feel free to chat with us about the possibilities at SUPERP. Not just a standard sales pitch, but a real conversation about what’s important to you.
