become an independent consultant

Dropping this in part because I don’t think it’s feasible, in part because I need to narrow down my goals a bit, and in part because I’ve learned that I don’t really want to work by myself!

I want to do this anymore. I’m tired of working by myself (while I’m living by myself), being uncertain about what’s next, trying not-so-successfully to structure my time, worrying about health insurance. Etc.

But an association where I interviewed for a job (which they didn’t offer me) seems to want to give me some consulting work, so maybe I’ll give it another try.

What would be great would be to buddy up with other people who are doing the same kind of thing, and starting a small company (assuming it doesn’t exist already), getting an office, etc….

but with limited progress thus far. I did come up with a one-pager that I should probably turn into a website.

After a year I have finally found a couple of consulting firms that do the kinds of things I want to work on, and I’m offering to work for them to get experience.

a brief email from a former colleague, who’s now working for one of the better (i.e., less crass) Beltway bandits. As soon as I can, I am going to send him back my mini-CV. Very nice guy; let’s see if I can arrange to get together with him to talk.

Got my first “sign on the line” contract yesterday!

Not independent yet, but the road is wide open.

Woo hoo!

I am a contractor, working by myself. I do the work, submit an invoice, and (eventually) get a check. The word “consultant” gives me the willies, a little bit, because it suggests I have some kind of special powers or huge brains, and can produce miracles for whomever comes near me.

Where are all the ideas and inspiration I used to have? Can I do this better if I have a partner? Would A step up to the plate on this? Do I have any reason to think he would or is it just a fantasy? What kind of a risk am I willing to take with that, anyway? He sure does have a great brain when he chooses to use it.

to a national trans-healthcare-industry meeting. Purely for shmoozing and my own edification. I made some business cards with these laser printer-ready Avery perforation-free forms and MS Word – they look quite professional.

I still have not done the brochures. I’m just not feelin’ it. My approach will be to talk to people, listen to them, find out if there’s any way I can help. That’s all consulting is, right?

You can become a freelance consultant. It’s not rocket science: be brave and have courage!

I really need to write a one-pager/brochure summarizing what I have to offer, and get business cards. Someone suggested recruiting a friend to hold my hand while I do these tasks. R? One of the J’s?

Having dinner with an old friend of Dad’s tonight, who could provide some useful insight and, dare I hope, work?