Independence

I started out as an Independent Consultant in late 1998. My career to that point was a slow progression up the Business Analyst - Project Manager food chain. The money was ok, but the politics were stifling. I needed to do something different.

Like so many things in life, my decision was largely driven by supply and demand. 1998 saw a confluence of the dot.com craze, the Y2K semi panic, and a general push by big companies to upgrade business systems. Companies also wanted to have more flexibility with respect to staffing (English Translation - they want to be able to fire you when they're done with you, and not get sued) . Consulting/Contracting was hot, Business Analyst / Project Manager types were in demand, and I was lucky enough to have a good friend looking out for me who referred me to my first gig. Thanks Ken!

Since then I've worked for plenty of clients, had some ups, some downs, and continue to learn a heck of a lot. One thing, I think, needs clarification. This whole notion of "Independence". No consultant is actually independent. We depend as much on our clients as we did on our bosses back in the day - maybe more. We depend on colleagues, headhunters, friends, family, and the kindness of strangers. We are self-dependent with respect to benefits and retirement planning, but Independence is a state of mind, not a contractual arrangement. In hindsight, I was working with Independence in mind for several years before I decided to fly solo. And I'm glad I did.