jsync | Java Staffing Specialist

"What it Takes to Be An Independent - From Head to Toe (but not in that order)"

07/09/2008

by Dave Fecak

Keeping in the spirit of Independence Day, I decided to look back and see when I last wrote about independent consulting. Turns out it’s been two years since I threw this together to give some insight into considering a career as an independent consultant, so looks like it is time to address the topic once more. This time we will focus on what it takes to be successful as an independent, from head to toe.

The Stomach – Obviously it takes some guts to leave a steady job and take the plunge into independent work. You need to have confidence that your skills will be in demand by clients, and that you will be able to reach your target audience (hiring managers) either through your own network or through agents that you trust (like jsync). It also helps to understand that sometimes independents will find themselves between gigs – many like the ability to take a week or two off before starting a new assignment, but if not carefully choreographed the beauty of an independent’s flexibility can become an undesirable period of unemployment. Being able to digest some weeks without a paycheck is a necessity, even if it never happens to you.

The Teeth – Chances are you’ll be asked to cut your teeth on some new technology on every gig. Never expect to be using the same app server, database, operating system and API’s on your next project. The ability to learn new technologies quickly and ‘on the fly’ is essential to your success as an independent. Spend some time asking the client what technologies you should brush up on a couple weeks before the project starts, and do a little research to hit the ground stumbling if not running.

The Head -We’ll assume you have the head for technology – if not, please stop reading this now and get back to your work!! In addition to knowing your way around code, you’ve got to have at least some head for business. I’d personally leave the tax and legal stuff for the professionals (accountants and lawyers will save you time – good ones might save you JAIL TIME!). You need to have at least some idea of the numbers behind independent work. What do I need as an hourly rate to maintain or improve my lifestyle? Did I factor in some costs that I may not have worried about as an FTE (insurance, mileage, parking, taxes)? How much time can I afford to take off without hurting my bottom line?

The Legs – Finding a great gig can take quite a bit of legwork if you decide to go it alone and not use an agent. Even with an agent it can take some time and effort to secure a project, so be prepared to take the search for assignments just as seriously as the job itself. Be organized in your search, reach out to past clients and touch base an agent you know and trust. Thankfully, your job search activities should only happen a couple/few times a year at most.

The Feet – Independents typically have to be open to locations that might not be ideal from a commute perspective. Sometimes it may be much better for your career to take the project 40 miles away and learn a new marketable skill than to take the job around the corner using technology that is outdated. Openness to a bit longer commute will surely enhance your ability to stay utilized.

The Heart – You are the sole representative of your company, so you need to make every interview a positive experience even if you don’t get the job. Walking out of/canceling interviews, leaving assignments without proper notice, or coming across as negative or unfriendly can get you a reputation with both hiring managers and agents, and that will hurt your chances of securing future work. Don’t burn any bridges! Show some love to your clients and they’ll keep you coming back for more work.

The Nose – Getting stuck on a doomed project will happen to almost every independent during their career, but having a nose to smell out rotten gigs will save lots of headaches. Ask the right questions in interviews to learn as much as possible about the team, management, customers, and expectations for delivery.

The Elbows – Rubbing elbows with fellow software professionals and staying in touch with old contacts should keep you off the bench. Make friends that can find you work when necessary.

The Ears and Mouth – The ability to listen to and understand your clients’ requirements is perhaps the most important skill required to be successful as an independent. At the rates you are being paid, there is little margin for error. Get a good req and ask the necessary questions to be sure you are clear as to what is expected and when it needs to be delivered.

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