| > Even without promotion, I get more requests for work than one person can commit to while offering dev services at market rate. That's wonderful situation to be in :) > The challenges I've experienced relate more to the business and administrative functions and in general optimizing the amount of time spent on non-billable things. This is a tough one and it's something i struggle with too. I take it you already have the usual suite of apps to help (xero/freshbooks, timely/toggl, hellosign etc). > One analogous challenge a contractor faces is figuring out how to make the jump from software contracting into technical consulting. Also tough, but more familiar. This jump always feels like a matter of specialization to me. It usually means leaving the variety of being a generalist behind. Luckily there are many ways to specialize: Functional. Technical. Process Engineering. You can even combine these specialties. The less technical specialties require more nuanced proof of your abilities. It's definitely a good idea to keep notes of applicable project, moments, achievements. I was a consultant for 7+ years (taxes + tech), although not an independent one, and i'll say this: it takes even more non-billable time to do it right. Do you have special skill set? |
2 - Exactly what you said.
3 - Not necessarily. I've done a ton of work with Python and a good amount using Python for APIs and web apps. I'm doubling down on that currently, but that's probably too general to be considered a speciality. It's definitely something I'm trying to feel out.