Working for yourself
Lately I've been thinking about going into independent consulting. With no experience working for myself, I'm curious what I should do to prepare myself over the next few years? Are there any specific books I should read? I would be mostly interested in consulting in Cyber Security.
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Books aside, having been there, here are a few things to consider that you won’t find in books: 1. You’re starting your firm because you’re good at consulting. Administering your business is a bore and it takes you out of billable work. If you can, find a partner (or partner with your spouse) who doesn’t mind the admin stuff 2. Set aside your self employment taxes! 3. Be prepared for the invoice chasing game. Sometimes, especially early, you’ll have to tell the electric / gas company that you can pay them as soon as you get your invoice in 4. Set aside your self employment taxes! 5. Let yourself get off the grid sometimes. Bill enough in advance so that you can intentionally take time off. This is your dream, probably not your family’s. Take time to be a spouse, parent, etc. 6. Set aside your self employment taxes!