Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?
The Cheshire Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.
Alice: I don’t much care where.
The Cheshire Cat: Then it doesn’t much matter which way you go.
Alice: …So long as I get somewhere.
The Cheshire Cat: Oh, you’re sure to do that, if only you walk long enough.
The conversation between Alice and the Cheshire Cat reflects a familiar experience: wanting to “get somewhere” without knowing exactly where. For fractional developers—those who work across multiple projects or industries without long-term ties to one company—this resonates. Each project is a new opportunity, but without a clear destination, it’s easy to keep moving without true progress. The Cheshire Cat’s advice is simple: If you don’t know where you’re headed, any path will take you “somewhere.” The real question is, will that “somewhere” bring you growth, fulfillment, or alignment with your goals?
Why Setting Goals Matters
Fractional development is all about flexibility and adaptability. You often need to jump into projects quickly, balance clients, and deliver results fast. But without defined goals, this constant movement can feel aimless. Having a clear purpose provides direction, guiding you to projects that help build mastery and deliver satisfaction. Here are a few examples of purposeful goals:
- Mastering a New Tech Stack: If you aim to become an expert in a technology—such as Python or Kubernetes—choose projects that immerse you in that toolset. Repeating work with these tools across different environments deepens your expertise and value.
- Transitioning to Consulting: Many fractional developers aspire to provide strategic advice, not just technical skills. If consulting is your goal, choose projects where you can influence decisions and offer guidance rather than simply executing tasks.
- Focusing on a Niche Market: If you’re passionate about an industry, like healthcare or finance, prioritizing work within that sector allows you to develop specialized knowledge. This expertise sets you apart as an industry insider, with insights that general developers may lack.
Each goal gives purpose to your choices, shaping your career one project at a time. Without this clarity, you risk drifting from project to project without genuine fulfillment.
Navigating Uncertainty
Alice’s journey resonates because it’s often unclear where to begin. Some developers have a destination in mind, while others explore paths until one feels right. Setting goals doesn’t always happen overnight. Like Alice, you may need to walk awhile to discover what matters.
One way to navigate this uncertainty is to identify your non-negotiables—the core elements that must be present in your work for you to feel satisfied. Here are a few to consider:
- Flexibility: If controlling your schedule matters, prioritize remote or asynchronous projects with clear deliverables over rigid hours.
- Growth Opportunities: If growth is your priority, look for projects with new technologies, challenging problems, or mentorship from industry experts.
- Value Alignment: If you’re committed to impact, choose projects that align with your values, like ethically responsible tech or social impact initiatives.
These non-negotiables help ensure each project is not just another stop but a meaningful step forward.
Building a Path That Leads Somewhere
Alice’s journey was shaped by curiosity and the characters she met. Fractional developers experience a similar adventure, learning with each project about industries, technologies, and themselves. Although the freedom of the fractional path can be disorienting, it also lets you design a career that fits your values, talents, and goals.
The goal isn’t just to “get somewhere.” It’s to arrive at a place that brings purpose and fulfillment. In the world of fractional development, as in Wonderland, the journey may not be linear, but with clear direction, each step can bring you closer to a career that aligns with what truly matters to you.
In the end, remember that any road will lead “somewhere.” But with purpose, you can ensure that the “somewhere” you reach is exactly where you’re meant to be.