[hellbanner]

<1099, not w2>Yes. It's just a number. Double it. Do the same with your hourly estimates. I quit my job making ~27 to doing contracting at 40. Then 60, 75, 80 now 85-100 across projects. (3 years rails, 6 years other stuff, USA)

The real kicker is the former company billed me out at $150+ when I had even less experience!

[lewisvance]

Do you have a few minutes to chat about your experience? I'm looking to make a similar move and I'd love to hear about what worked and didn't work for you. My contact info is in my profile (I didn't see any in yours). Thanks.

[hellbanner]

I emailed you.

[Guvante]

> The real kicker is the former company billed me out at $150+ when I had even less experience!

One thing to keep in mind is one of the reasons for doing that is the environment you are in and a certain guarantee about the work provided.

[hellbanner]

Yes - I am aware of that. Having an experienced team available to help newer coders out dramatically increases their productivity through synergy, pair programming and learning. However -- there's still a huge price discrepancy1

[venomsnake]

Can you give ideas where to start searching for international contracting work if you are outside of US?

[hellbanner]

Most of my work has come from referrals, but the original leads came from introducing myself. I suggest finding an international conference -- regardless of industry -- meet those people, trade business cards & regularly stay in contact offering your services.

I haven't used this resource; but there are online communities like http://forum.thefreelancersguild.com/ by the creator of DYFR.