&quot;I wonder if I’m hurting my chances of future employment by working so long on my own.&quot;<p>Based on my recent experience getting back in the game after 5 years of self directed projects (not all of them software related) I would say definitely don&#x27;t worry about this... you have something good to show for your time (i.e. readlang) and the skills required to make it are sought after. Most other job candidates will not be able to show this degree of self determination &#x2F; initiative. Just come across as hyper enthusiastic and you&#x27;d be set.