As a consultant or freelancer, what’s the one thing that you wish you knew ahead of time before jumping in?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Cold calling EVERYONE is necessary for survival.

like

They didn’t really define their version of cold calling. Just saying. There is a method to survival of hitting up a lot of people you’ve worked with in the past, that can vouch, and maybe you haven’t talked to them
In a few years. I’ve personally gotten gigs that way over years - from unexpected referrals because I made it be known I was looking for work to specific people,

like

I had three months’ of expenses saved up, just in case, that I didn’t need to touch for 8 years. Then, suddenly, I needed 11 months’ worth.

Sock away a YEAR of expenses in a liquid savings account. I’m serious.

(Obviously, you will have to build your way up to this.)

like

I know 3 months feels like maybe in 2015! Pre & post pandemic 12 months. Scary & Sad. 😒 A, 8 year run is still awesome 👏🏽.

People will never consider you for a full time job because you tasted freedom on the outside. They know the first sign of their toxicity, you’ll be back out on your own.

likefunny

Offers CD1? An offer is different from a chat. I have lots of chats about FT but salaries are so low right now and I keep my number high, so it rarely leads to an offer because they can hire someone else for less in this market.

If you’re pretty confident you’ll be making $80K+ a year in 1099 income, find a good CPA and establish an S Corp.

like

don’t.

It’s so true! I’ve been rejected for perm roles. Since I decided to go back to freelance. Due to sabbatical & deaths. 3 years of freelance remote is only because that’s who keeps picking me. Perm roles will go with someone they feel is more stable. Especially, in an economy where top tier companies have layoffs.

5+ year freelancer here 👋 regardless if you’re looking for full time or just passing through your value is dropping in and being one with any team or project your getting dropped on. You bring experience. There is no onboarding. You’re either dropping in on an overworked team or a leave or something that needs you to just hit the ground running so bring your experience and know everyone around you is stressed and your job is to make things in the least disruptive way possible and show calm competence. Also if you’re serious about freelance get an S-Corp ASAP and start writing those expenses off from software to home office snacks.

Related Posts

What are some good healthcare/pharmaceutical etfs that you would recommend?

like

Ask any questions about poland moves

Can ask anything here

like

Where do people go to shop for clothes in Austin? I've only seen ultra high-and shops in the domain or four XL shirts. Everywhere else there isn't like a normal Macy's anywhere. You guys here gotta take it easy with the beef and beer diet.

likefunny

Have about 5k to invest - should I do FXAIX or FSKAX?

like

I’m experiencing insecure attachment style specific to feeling like my puppy loves my SO more than me because I work more and he gets more quality-chill time with her.

like

Has anyone started working in Pune office?

like

Is anyone part of Toigo? How helpful is/was it in your career search?

like

Hello fishes


Want to start my career in data science
I am 2021 mechanical engineering graduate having one year of experience in cognizant in support.
!!!!!! Help please

Thank you in advance

like

Hi,
What could happen if we do not work in the current organisation after putting down the papers?
Though the LWD is yet to be received from the Manager.
Thanks

Guys for sap basis with2 yoe is there no openings

Need referrel pls help

like

I am considering paying for a coach of online service to aid in my interview prep for McKinsey. Specifically, I am looking at programs where I have access to others to practice with. Looking for opinions/thoughts/recommendations?

like

If you know a law firm offering 100% remote Associate positions please comment below. Thanks!

like

I've been job searching for nearly 4 months.... started using fishbowl 3 weeks ago... this app is far superior to anything on the market.

likesmart

So my offer letter says I have return back the signing amount if I leave within a year. How does the math work-full rerun of 20k or post-tax deduction the any that I received ?

like

Hi guys,
I have offer for Comcast and rntbci with same package. Which one should i choose?
Am expecting good hike and good wlb

like

Anyone in the New York area going to the Seiko 5 Sports x Worn & Wound 10th Anniversary Limited Edition Launch Party??

like

Hi everyone,
I have an upcoming Product Manager interview with BCGDV. HR told me it would be a 45 minutes Zoom call with a Product Director. I’ve heard there’s no case interviews, but they’re pretty vague about what the interview is like. Can anyone share their BCGDV recruiting experience and how I can better prepare for it? Thank you so much!

like

BCG PIPE Practice

I work at a hedge fund now. I spent a number of years in consulting earlier in my career. I’ve made some $ but the job is lonely. Thinking of returning to consulting.

1) Is the PIPE practice only due diligence projects? Or any segmentation of the service line beyond general “DDs”?

2) I’m 2011 out of undergrad and have done a few years of consulting and a few at a HF. Would I come in as a PL? Principal? How is this decided? What is typical profile of laterals who come in here

like

Brothers, o brothers my days here are done
A real job has taken my life
But what does it matter for all men must die
And I’ve tasted the boring gov-con life
I have. I’ve tasted the boring gov-con life

I have 2 offers, one from JPMC ( LOB IS Consumer and Community Banking) and the other from Wells Fargo. Both are giving similar roles, and exactly same pay. Location is Hyderabad. I tried for revision of pay but it didn't work.

Could anyone help me understand which one is better to join in terms of hikes, technology used and work life balance. I have to join on Tuesday, 16 Aug.

YoE - 16, Tech stack - Java Microservices
JPMorgan Chase Wells Fargo

like

Additional Posts in WFH Freelancers

Has anyone successfully proposed and negotiated a move from full-time at an agency to freelance? Would love to hear about both positive and negative experiences!

like
like

I’ve come to a point where I just started at the green dot on my laptop camera when talking. I want to do the Errol Morris interrotron to get some sort of connection. The lack of eye contact or staring off to the side from other participants makes me think they have high anxiety or on the spectrum like rain man.

like

How has anybody had luck with getting freelance account gigs? Been silent in LA

like

Advice on choosing healthcare as a freelancer? Very new to this world and overwhelmed trying to find the right option. I’m 29, relatively healthy, single and no kids.

like

Fellow freelance ADs! What are typically the slowest months of your year?

Anyone have any advice on who to contact for merch/apparel related gigs? Preferably in the music or sports industry. Recommendations for agencies that focus on this are also greatly appreciated!

like

Question to freelancers: why?
What are the benefits and the odds of being a freelancer and how did you make that choice?

Have you ever regretted your choice?

like

Digital EP in NYC - 12+ years experience at lots of big and notable agencies - I’m entertaining a freelance role now and leaving the full time world - Am I crazy for asking for a $150 an hour?

Is their an agency freelancer/ staffer blacklist?

Mainly production, but just curious if anyone is aware of such a thing. Thanks in advance

like

Anyone looking for a good accountant for freelancers? (I have one.)

likehelpful

On the verge of turning an hourly client into a retainer. Any tips?

Emergency question!! Sending over an invoice to a client. We are both in mass. Do I charge tax on a digital delivery? I did on my last two but now I’m questioning it. Help!

Senior Art Director - Mid november to mid Feb

Post Photo
like

Recently got a contract job at Facebook NY. I’ve mostly only been a FTE for the entirety of my career, so a bit nervous as I want to eventually be offered FT but feeling a lot of pressure to perform for the next 5 months to prove my worth. At some point it will surely get exhausting. Any tips for how to deal with this? Also curious to know what a mid-level PM normally gets paid as a freelancer?

like

I've been meeting with recruiters from staffing agencies and the freelance rates I'm being told are super low. What rates hourly/daily are you getting for ACD/art in NYC??

Time to update the website. Squarespace? Any other recommendations or tips? Thanks!

like

Are y’all worried about the availability of work with the projected upcoming recession?

like

When you’re asked about your rate, do you include weekend / holiday rates upfront? Or do you wait until it comes up after you’ve started? New to this, so please be kind.

likehelpful

Trying to avoid paying an accountant, can I actually write off home office space/mileage if I was just permalancing for 3 months last year? Shouldn’t the 7 months of W2 take care of this 1099 shit?

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal