Advice on Becoming an Independent Contractor?

miyako asks: "I'm 20 years old and going to be graduating soon with a degree in Computer Information Systems. I was thinking recently about the job market available and I began to realize that I don't want to spend the rest of my life using my skills to make someone else money. I've been making money these last few years doing odd computer related jobs, programming, networking, graphic design, but never steadily or on a big scale. What I've come to realize is that when I graduate I'd prefer to work for myself doing contracting jobs. I thought that I would put the question out to Slashdot since a number of you seem to be doing this for a living or to supplement your income. What's the best way to get started, especially for someone without a lot of professional experience under their belt?" Update: 10/08 11:20 EDT by C : After press time, another worthwhile related question popped up. Rather than post another story, it's probably better to handle both issues together. So in addition to the current question, what legal aspects should Independent Contractors consider, especially when it comes to writing contracts? "Is it better to be a generalist, or to specialize in a few areas? What can I do to get myself recognized in the sea of other people doing the same thing? Is the market really there and is it strong enough that someone could make a living only doing this? What do I need to be aware of on the business end of things?

I realize that I might make significantly less, at least at first, than I could working for a company, but I would rather make less money and be more fulfilled working for myself. In short, what advice would Slashdot readers give a new graduate who is looking to start a business doing contracting jobs?"

While considering the issues an independent contractor needs to worry about when starting out, it might also help to consider the aspects a starting contractor will need to tackle when confronted with an important aspect of his job: writing contracts. With that in mind, we have this addition from Clanner: "I've been working as an IT Contractor recently, and I have a few opportunities to do some independent contract work (IE: not through a contracting agency) for a handful of clients. While I plan on consulting an attorney at some point, I'd like to get a few pointers from the Slashdot community as far as things to watch out for in contracts with customers. I'm looking for both items to avoid having in a contract as well as things that I should make sure are included. I plan on using a balanced contract, where neither party is at any severe advantage or disadvantage. I'm sure there are plenty of experienced hands at this in the Slashdot community, and I'd like to hear any suggestions you may have and about your experiences in this type of work (good or bad). Thanks!"

Comments

oops

[j0nb0y]

you picked the wrong field. Go to law school, or get your mba. Or at least your masters in something. With just a college degree, you'll be stuck low on the totem pole for the forseeable future.

Or maybe that's just what happened to me =[