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Everybody says your network. Is this an US thing? Everyone in my network is employed in bigger or smaller companies. They might search for a full-time hire, but not for project work. Is this different in the EU or is my network too small?

[lnsru]

In Germany freelance work is killed by “Scheinselbstständigkeit”. Authorities will eventually require to pay some taxes afterwards if you have only one client. Both from freelancer and the company. Companies don’t want that and shady body leasing agencies are thriving. The people from these agencies have separate offices and companies go sometimes too far to separate real employees and rented staff. Network does not help much.

[creer]

Bigger or smaller companies is exactly who hires consultants and contractors (yes, medium too).

A few companies aim for full time only - but I don't feel that's many. Some companies have overall contracts and outsource to specific services companies - and will rarely consider individuals (both US and Europe).

Your network is not people who will necessarily hire you for a project. They are people who might at some point know something.

Your network should also include other consultants and contractors who are likely to be over- or under-worked at any time and could use your help.