Comment Made my move 1y ago, wouldn't go back! (Score 2, Interesting) 295
There are (IMHO) two kind of contracting/consulting jobs:
1) 100% real independant: you find the client, you convince him, you do all the work from home.
2) being pimped: some firm calls you, you go work "in-house" for their client just like any other employee, but you're paid much more than if you were a "perm" since you're expendable, no insurance, no retirement, etc.
I've done both and I have to say being 100% independant is a lot tougher: you must spend a lot of time shopping the client, convincing him, making sure he's happy, negotiate a bit when things aren't as smooth as planned. It can pay big time, but it can also backfire BIG time if you mess up. Working for a firm relieves a bit of pressure since you don't have to find the contract yourself, just apply for the position, but you still have to negotiate your rate with someone working for that firm who's sole goal and main skill is to negotiate you down ;)
But no matter which way you go, there are some very important skills you need to work on.
- Presenting yourself in an appropriate manner (dressing, talking)
- Be at ease and used to negotiate, deal, do an interview, etc.
- Build_your_network. Keep in touch with previous employers, senior employees, friends who know people who know people, etc.
- Know your stuff (whatever you do, C++, project management) from A to Z.
- Control your budget. Spend as much as you need to live well, but don't buy that cool new 5000$ gizmo unless you have 6+ months of savings in front of you :) You don't want to get to the point where you'd take any job at any rate because you're flat broke.
You need to EAT thru every book you can find on selling, consulting, having your own business (IRS, accounting) and get as much advice and backup from friends and family. You need to get over any shyness or insecurity in order to give the impression of someone in control, able to accomplish the task at hand.
From there it's up to you. Depending on your skills, you may very well end up having no security, not much more money. But if you really do your homework and identify and work on what you see as your weaknesses (eg: talking in public, negotiating your rate without the fear of "not getting the job") I can garantee you'll be happier than you were in your "perm" job.
I had some tough times and it wasn't easy all the way. Got to a point where my whole fortune was 800$ and I had no work in front of me, nothing. But then again when I look back, I don't regret one bit. The kind of money I'm making now is the salary I dreamt of making "in 10 or 15 years when I'm a VP or big manager here at company XYZ".
1) 100% real independant: you find the client, you convince him, you do all the work from home.
2) being pimped: some firm calls you, you go work "in-house" for their client just like any other employee, but you're paid much more than if you were a "perm" since you're expendable, no insurance, no retirement, etc.
I've done both and I have to say being 100% independant is a lot tougher: you must spend a lot of time shopping the client, convincing him, making sure he's happy, negotiate a bit when things aren't as smooth as planned. It can pay big time, but it can also backfire BIG time if you mess up. Working for a firm relieves a bit of pressure since you don't have to find the contract yourself, just apply for the position, but you still have to negotiate your rate with someone working for that firm who's sole goal and main skill is to negotiate you down
But no matter which way you go, there are some very important skills you need to work on.
- Presenting yourself in an appropriate manner (dressing, talking)
- Be at ease and used to negotiate, deal, do an interview, etc.
- Build_your_network. Keep in touch with previous employers, senior employees, friends who know people who know people, etc.
- Know your stuff (whatever you do, C++, project management) from A to Z.
- Control your budget. Spend as much as you need to live well, but don't buy that cool new 5000$ gizmo unless you have 6+ months of savings in front of you
You need to EAT thru every book you can find on selling, consulting, having your own business (IRS, accounting) and get as much advice and backup from friends and family. You need to get over any shyness or insecurity in order to give the impression of someone in control, able to accomplish the task at hand.
From there it's up to you. Depending on your skills, you may very well end up having no security, not much more money. But if you really do your homework and identify and work on what you see as your weaknesses (eg: talking in public, negotiating your rate without the fear of "not getting the job") I can garantee you'll be happier than you were in your "perm" job.
I had some tough times and it wasn't easy all the way. Got to a point where my whole fortune was 800$ and I had no work in front of me, nothing. But then again when I look back, I don't regret one bit. The kind of money I'm making now is the salary I dreamt of making "in 10 or 15 years when I'm a VP or big manager here at company XYZ".
