At the end of High School, I was pretty sure I wanted to do something in computers. I'd done web design for my cousin's band and a lot of tinkering, fixing people's computers, etc. I've got some college under my belt and am currently employed full time. The job is okay, but if I'm here for too many more years, I'm betting I'll go insane. At this point, I'm certain I want to be a contractor doing web design, network / hardware installation & maintainance, fixing stupid spyware / virus problems, developing verticle apps for local businesses, etc. I hear this is a dismal job market. I'd also like to be a network technician. I think I'd be perfectly happy doing menial stuff like that for a long time before going stir crazy and wanting to be even a jr. admin, let alone a sr. admin. But again, dismal job market. Very discouraging. I've tried to get in to electricity, engineering of several varieties, and a whole slew of other possible career paths, but I find that, if I'm not maintaining computer systems or hanging out with my friends / family, I'm not happy. I'm passionate about being in a job market so saturated it'd make my head spin. On top of that, I've got a wife and kid to support, so it's not like I can quit my job, get on financial aid, go back to school and live on ramen til I find my niche.

So I'm posing the question to experienced contractors, web designers, and others who've managed to find success in this field (or those who haven't, that's cool too): I'm passionate, driven, know a lot and want to learn more every day. What are some good approaches to transitioning from full-time employee to full-time contractor?

I have no problem dealing with people, either, or networking. The problem is being able to do that while I'm at the office / commuting from 7 to 6 every day, barely scraping a living even with those hours. I live in a semi-rural area. Plenty of "cities" of 30k people and towns of 500-5000.

Moved: This thread is more suitable in General and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

I can certainly empathize with the stress...

I've been in the industry since well before consulting was really formalized. I was always the kid who knew how to fix computers...

Now I sit as the CTO of one of the newest Shipyards in the US and I wonder at how I got here... I also look and see all of the people struggling to find their way in this crazy industry of ours.

Once thing I will say is that you should build a resume of successes. If you want to work in web dev then get some sample bodies of work up that you can use to showcase your skills. If necessary volunteer to do them just to get a good sampling of what you can do.

Not only will this build a portfolio for you but you will also get some good hard skills on the 'doing' side of things. Also the contacts you make during this time will be helpful later on as you continue your search for a niche.

Network with other pros and use your body of work to establish your creds.

This is a great way to get a solid rep.

Regards and Good Luck,

Michael E

My advice? Well, it sounds like you're an American, this might not apply to non-Americans.

Find a different field to get into, if you can use or work computers into that career, great. Right now it seems that unless you have a combination of education (the degree) or boat load of experience, your career opportunities are going to be limited.

If I were to do it over again, I'd go into the healthcare field. Unfortunately, I don't like people or dealing with bodilly fluids that aren't mine.

IF this is what you're really interested in, stick with it, get some experience, get a bachelor's degree, be patient, and keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities. This might be doing a lot of little jobs on the side as it sounds like you have. Networking (the non-computer related kind) is really, really important.

XavierP,

I'm in a similar boat as you...commuted over 7000 miles in a 3 month period for a chance to earn $11 an hour! Generally speaking, the market is a bit tight around the US, no matter what field you are in. Do not try to become a teacher!

A friend will be helping me move and will allow me to work for him doing consultancy work.

I've done small jobs on the side, from Web design to basic desktop support and user training. It was a side gig and I never dove into it heart and soul...until now.

The market is poor for IT workers which could be a good thing for consultants. Think about it. If a company no longer has an IT staff, they would be willing to use someone part time.

I am wary of programming as a career choice (In the US) It's cheaper for businesses to outsource to India. Same, really with web design.

So this sums up my approach: Look for things that are not easily outsourced overseas, such as desktop support and network admin. Look to the road less traveled such as FOSS, Python, PHP. If you choose web design, consider that as one of the tools to make you stand apart from the crowd.

Choose many many projects. Web sites, building a computer in a George Forman Grill, Make servers and workstations at home etc. Gain a better understanding of the tools of your trade. This year is my year of doing so.

I hope this was of help!
Mohtech

With a sig like that, who WOULDN'T take your advice!?!

I like the idea of having a diverse portfolio. I'll probably aim for web design, network admin, small app development, python / ruby / php (which probably have a bright future since the market probably lags a few years behind what the true geeks use as far as the real gems of productivity)... especially combining this with the idea of aiming for jobs that can't be outsourced. As a US-dweller, my advantage is that I can be met in person / I'm a local phone call away.

Much thanks for the advice posted so far. Please keep 'em coming!

Or as we Client types like to call it:

"A throat to choke within easy reach..."

Congrats on the good news for the shipyard btw , I just read it in the newspaper sunday