Consulting As An Independent Contractor

I look back on my time as an employee semi fondly. I definitely learned alot about myself and about business acumen. But, I am really enjoying working as an Independent Contractor, and here is why:

I get asked to work on projects.
I’m asked if I’m interested. That little thing, the ask, makes a huge difference for me. When you work as an employee for an employer, it is assumed that you will do a specific set of responsibilities, it is just your job, it is your responsibility, and you are rarely thanked.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand responsibility and “my job” but I feel that companies could still do a better job at making an ask, or being more excited about projects that need to be done. The attitude I usually see is one of people feeling as if they are doing grunt work and have no choice but to continue doing grunt work.

Work is project based.
I’ve worked on several implementations, and I’m sure I will work on several more. I’ve done data migration, analyzed and solved process issues, integrated new applications into a system…. and then I’m done. There are no forever ongoing, never ending, maintenance tasks. When the system is implemented, the problem solved or integration in place, I can move on to the next thing. This is great for someone like me who gets bored easily.

Timelines And Due Dates Matter
We’ve all been on those internal projects where there is barely any motivation to complete them. The company has survived, even if uncomfortably, without said improvement so… it can survive a bit longer, until someone cares to complain again. I don’t think this would ever happen in my current realm. I am paid to do a specific job, within a specific budget, by a specific date. My reputation depends on getting it done on time, under budget, as agreed, to the best of my ability.


5 Minute Commute (Virtual Work)
Do I even have to explain this one? I love the thought of being able to work while I’m visiting a friend… no need for either of us to take off work, we can hang out in the evenings.

There are some challenges with this, and it’s not for everyone, but I would be miserable commuting to an office everyday. I would be miserable microwaving almost every meal of the day in the company lunchroom or spending half of my lunch hour in a cafeteria line. Not to mention sitting at a desk all day with only walks to the water cooler to break up the monotony. It’s just not for me.

Sure, there are days that I spend tied to my desk, but that is my choice, not an expectation.

New Faces
I’ve met soooo many people. Almost every project means a chance to meet new people. I should start connecting with them on Linked in!

Flexibility
Freelancing allows you to look at your time differently. You can work when you’re productive and use the rest of your time to recharge and explore. Spoken like a true introvert, I know!

If you’re feeling burned out you can cut back on projects, if you are bored out of your mind you can take on some new ones. You can work weekends and take weekdays off, work evenings and have daylight hours to get personal things done.

Thats all I can think of right now. The point is I’m having a blast and this type of lifestyle suits me. I hope to continue doing this for years to come.

Till next time...