[maestroia]

There are a few variables to this. Are you a contractor or consultant (there is a difference). What you offer (warm body or solution). Location. Target companies size and industry sector. Economy status. Personal relationships with clients.

I started in '09 in the midst of the Great Recession, and did well. Companies were laying off, but still had projects needing done. Between 2010-2020, I also did well. 2020-now, I'm doing OK, but half the work, with regular (non-tech sector) clients have been worried about the economy, holding back on non-essential projects.

The biggest intangible though is how hard you're willing to go out and sell yourself. You have to have more than just knowledge, you have to have belief in what you're selling--which is yourself. If you can sell yourself, you'll do ok.