[orzig]

I'm a DS/ML consultant, but I've never done Kaggle or even serious public github projects. For context, I've only changed clients once, as my contracts have been very long-term. My initial client reached out to me and induced me into part-time consulting in the first place, and my second/current reached out to me based on previously working at the same company.

So I'm not saying that I know everything, but n=1 says that interpersonal connections in a domain+skill can be fully sufficient. Obviously, which one to focus on depends on where you're starting from - I have 10 years of experience in a domain and have interacted as a skilled expert with many people who are now managing budgets at various mid-sized companies. If I needed a new client, I'd primarily reach out through that network instead of using Kaggle.

[pinum]

>I've only changed clients once, as my contracts have been very long-term

It should be pointed out that this is much closer to insecure employment than traditional contracting/consulting. No judgement from me, because I'm in a very similar position- freelance contractor on paper, but in reality, one client and a very employee-like working dynamic.

[urthor]

Also that changing clients is just as lucrative for contract employees as it is for fulltime employees.

You're usually expected to have 2-3 solid backup options, minimum.