| My apologies in advance, I can't answer your question directly, but your post gave me pause and I might not be the only such person with these reactions. I agree with @contingencies, Java is the only technology you mention. Many recruiters will probably not read past that if that isn't what they are looking for. There is nothing wrong with it, but it does lock you into being a "contract programmer" vs a "freelance consultant". Are you making the transition from contract programmer to freelance consultant? If so, then you need to reposition your personal branding / marketing. In order to deliver value as a consultant you will need a lot of person-to-person interaction. So, as you point out, you need to be able to communicate fluently with the stakeholders and the many people who are working on any given project. Whilst emails, chat and phone calls are very useful, a lot of essential and (IMHO) critical communications takes place in person. That is basically why teleconferencing hasn't supplanted business travel. So whilst you can continue to travel, you will probably need to be located with the client for at least part of the time. In many organisations working "remote" causes concerns to management. Travelling from project to project is another matter. In my experience, the best consultant opportunities arise when working for a major international consulting firm. Once you have established a solid track record in that environment it is possible to go freelance. Employers, like recruiters and agencies, look at your track record for proof that you can successfully complete the given assignment. As a freelance consultant you are expected to hit the deck running. Then there is that massive stumbling block ... being freelance means that you have to market and sell yourself. Having gotten an assignment you need to track your hours, bill and collect. It is for these reasons that I have found working for a consulting firm is less stressful. When you choose your field and company well, travel becomes a given rather than an option. |
Thank you, it is very good advice to position myself in an industry rather than technology.
Is there a way to find a good consulting firm or compare some?