I used to firmly believe in coding challenges because I thought, if I demonstrate to them that I know how to do it, that speaks for itself that I am the correct candidate.
Unfortunately, I have begun seeing a pattern that I need to break. I have employers who give me a coding challenge and they just go away to never be heard from again OR they tell me I need to work on it ASAP OR after I complete it they say I passed, then still go with another candidate.
That was hours of unpaid time that I do not have to offer for free. For one thing, I do have a small part-time business that keeps me busy enough, but not enough to live off yet and that is why it is a part-time business.
I am conflicted as to whether I should state in my cover letter that I do not do unpaid coding challenges or not. I am looking for a senior developer to assist me with this answer when it comes to navigating such murky waters as dealing with employers of all kinds.