[ernestipark]

How much work do you think the new work would take? Depending on the nature of the engagement, it doesn't have to be a 'jump' at all. If possible, an option would be to make it a more reduced hours engagement that you can moonlight. Then you can get the consulting experience, maintain the income of your full-time job, and see how it goes. Once you have one engagement under your belt, then it also becomes much easier to get more through WOM and very basic marketing/promotion through LinkedIn on what your skills are and what you can offer.

As others have stated in the comments also, a lot of consultants never have to do marketing or sales, they just get it word of mouth through their networks as they continue to do good work. I think doing that first job well, but in a way that's not as scary as jumping away from your full-time job is a good choice if you have it.

[mxmpawn]

That's something I have to talk with this new customer, I'll try to start with a reduced amount of dedication and then increase it if needed as the project evolves.