[lastofus]

Getting un-stuck from working for a single employer for 5+ years and moving into consulting/contract work.

I work fewer hours for more money, and have a very flexible schedule which lets me work on my own company and side projects.

I feel like a human being with control over my life again.

[Unklejoe]

I always wondered how software contractors actually found work (though I'm not particularly interested in becoming a consultant myself).

Do they search for companies who are hiring and offer to do the work as a consultant instead?

Or do the companies find you?

Could you provide just a very general outline of the process?

[lastofus]

I've found work from both friends and recruiters.

People love to hate on recruiters, and for good reason. If you can find a handful that are not terrible though, they can send along 3-6 month contracts. I've also been connected with businesses through recruiters that were very much in need of developers, with which it was easy to negotiate part-time remote work, at a good hourly rate.

Through friends, I've been pulled into their own contract work where they need an extra hand. I've also been introduced to business owners who need part-time developers as well, who in turn send multiple jobs over time.

Best advice though is just to talk to recruiters, be explicit about what you are looking for (not contract-to-hire, preferably short term remote jobs), and see what comes your way.