A free-flowing discussion of issues related to independent contracting. When programmer Alvaro Barona received his MCSE certification more than three years ago, he asked his employer for a better job with higher pay. So Barona, who developed client server applications for six years, struck out on his own, choosing to market his skills as an independent IT contractor. The first six months were lean, Barona says. In an email explaining his decision, Barona puts this reason in capital letters.
Many independent contractors point to the flexibility their jobs provide.
Tom Scott, an Oracle and Delphi specialist from a surfer village in southern California, says one reason he started working as an indie five years ago was his teen-aged children. Your life is kind of in your own hands, which is a double-edge sword. Then there's the obvious perk, more income. Barona says he's more than doubled his income since moving off the company clock. The wise ones have been banking and investing this money, so that when the inevitable downturns come, or their skills no longer match the market, they will be able to retire comfortably.