Rate & Value

Transparency, Efficiency, and Fair Partnership

I am a Lead Platform Engineer & Software Architect with 17+ years of experience. I prioritize long-term stability and efficient delivery over short-term transactional work. This page outlines how I work, why I price the way I do, and how we can build a fair partnership.

The "Builder" Philosophy

Trust the Task, Not the Talk

I am a Builder, not a Lecturer. After 17 years of solving complex infrastructure and billing problems, I rely on deep intuition and 'muscle memory' rather than memorized textbook definitions.

The Interview

If you ask me to recite the theoretical definition of an algorithm, I might hesitate.

The Reality

If you ask me to fix a broken Kubernetes cluster or optimize a slow database, I will do it faster than almost anyone else.

My Challenge to You

Don't judge me on the talk. Judge me on the task. I am ready to perform a complex, practical technical test to prove my value.

Rate Structure & The "Remote Discount"

Time is the most valuable asset. Commuting in traffic destroys productivity.

Best Value

Remote / Hybrid Partner

€675 - €700
/ day
Condition:

Fully remote or max 2 days/month on-site for high-value meetings.

Why:

You save money; I save travel time and stress.

Standard On-Site

€950
/ day
Condition:

Required if you need me in the office more than 2 days/month.

Why:

Covers travel time (2+ hours), fuel, and loss of deep-focus time.

Note on Extra Days

My Remote Rate includes 2 free office days per month for critical alignment (Sprint Planning, Steering Committee). If you require me on-site for additional days, a €250 surcharge per day applies. This ensures I am only called in for high-value collaboration, not to sit at a desk with headphones on (which I can do more efficiently from home).

Transitioning from Freelance to Payroll

While I primarily operate as a freelancer, I am open to permanent employment for the right long-term partner. However, switching from a high-revenue freelance business to a salary requires a package that reflects my seniority and provides financial stability.

The Required Package (Non-Negotiable Baseline)

To match the lifestyle and security of my freelance practice, the payroll offer must include:

💰

Senior Base Salary

€6,500 Gross / Month (Minimum)

Why: This reflects the market rate for a Lead/Software Architect role in Flanders/Brussels.

🚗

Mobility Budget

Premium Electric Vehicle (e.g., Tesla Model Y / BMW i4) + Unlimited EU Charging Card

Why: This offsets the private lease costs I currently manage myself.

📊

Salary Optimization

IP Reward (Authors Rights) included

Why: Standard in the Belgian IT sector for software creators to optimize net income.

📋

Net Allowances

Maximum legal daily/monthly allowances (Representation, Home Office, Internet)

The "Security Clause" (Crucial)

Minimum Notice Period: 3 Months (from Day 1)

Leaving a successful freelance career carries risk. I cannot accept a standard "1-week notice" probation period. I require a mutual commitment of at least 3 months to ensure this is a long-term partnership, not a short-term trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about working with me

Ready to Test My Skills?

Don't take my word for it. Give me a real technical challenge and see the results for yourself.

Sritharan K. | Lead Platform Engineer & Software Architect