[felideon]

> "It definitely helps to establish a reputation for yourself before you take off and start contracting."

Does this mean moonlighting and taking side gigs? If so, can it be done without sacrificing personal/family life? Not to mention, possibly living with exhaustion.

[jasonkester]

No. Just work for a few different companies and demonstrate that you're the best guy on the team to the people who matter. Eventually you'll get a call from a guy who's putting together a team and got your name from one of your old managers as somebody who's good at that sort of thing.

Of course, it never hurts to build cool, visible things that you can point to when people ask what you're capable of.