I Did It
I have finally made it to the stage in my career where I am paid more for my brain than a common prostitute makes for a day of sex. Sad comments on society in my opinion however, supply and demand apparently drives this silly economy and as long as there is demand, there is usually someone willing to supply.
I have done the dance between the private sector and the feds for as long as I can remember. I like the money and the freedom of the private sector but the job stability and benefits of the feds. I am hoping that I have found a compromise.
On November 28th, I left employment in the federal service and began consulting. Same job, same responsibilities, more money. Since I had contacts in place, I already have three federal clients with two more in the wings. Three at a time would be the maximum that I can juggle successfully and will be more than enough to pay the bills.
It is a risk, I understand. And I am not a risk taker. In the past I have been known to make all the sensible choices and take the road that looks the most solid. This has done me well and frankly, this consultancy path is also looking quite solid. When you have the contacts in place anything is possible. And the money....oh, the money!
The challenging side is that I am not a vacation taker. I am a worker. With a regular job, you look forward to your 3 weeks holidays; you use up a reasonable amount of your sick leave; and you take days off here and there for family commitments. As a consultant, when I don't work, I don't get paid.
The per diems of consulting are supposed to allow you to store up a bit of cash and take the time off when you need it. But commitments to clients and the drive to please make taking those days off difficult, entitled or not I feel like I am letting people down. It will be something to balance and no doubt my spouse will strive to keep me in check.
There is something to be said for the freedom and the - get in, get out - philosophy. I think it will play well into my ADHD, always looking for the next thrill philosophy. It is an exciting path with the opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills along the way.
There's always the feds as a back up as well, I suppose.
I have done the dance between the private sector and the feds for as long as I can remember. I like the money and the freedom of the private sector but the job stability and benefits of the feds. I am hoping that I have found a compromise.
On November 28th, I left employment in the federal service and began consulting. Same job, same responsibilities, more money. Since I had contacts in place, I already have three federal clients with two more in the wings. Three at a time would be the maximum that I can juggle successfully and will be more than enough to pay the bills.
It is a risk, I understand. And I am not a risk taker. In the past I have been known to make all the sensible choices and take the road that looks the most solid. This has done me well and frankly, this consultancy path is also looking quite solid. When you have the contacts in place anything is possible. And the money....oh, the money!
The challenging side is that I am not a vacation taker. I am a worker. With a regular job, you look forward to your 3 weeks holidays; you use up a reasonable amount of your sick leave; and you take days off here and there for family commitments. As a consultant, when I don't work, I don't get paid.
The per diems of consulting are supposed to allow you to store up a bit of cash and take the time off when you need it. But commitments to clients and the drive to please make taking those days off difficult, entitled or not I feel like I am letting people down. It will be something to balance and no doubt my spouse will strive to keep me in check.
There is something to be said for the freedom and the - get in, get out - philosophy. I think it will play well into my ADHD, always looking for the next thrill philosophy. It is an exciting path with the opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills along the way.
There's always the feds as a back up as well, I suppose.
posted by y-vonne at 5:36 AM
5 Comments:
Good for you! Sounds like things are off to a good start. Don't forget to take care of yourself....
Oooo - big jump! Sounds like a good choice, although you know I'm married to the security of the government, and it's done well by me.
Keep us posted...
At the end of life one rarely says, "I wish I had been more reasonable." It is more likely to be, "I wish I had done such..."
Good luck.
sounds to me like you made a good choice. I'm positive you have more than enough support through your spouse. Congratulations on making the change...you should be happy in your work. ( I need to listen to myself..lol)
I well know the pitfalls of being self employed but at least you have $$$. Don't forget to plan some of those well earned vacation days to come to St Thomas!!
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