I quit my job a few years ago so I could be an independent consultant
I quit my job a few years ago so I could be an independent consultant.
The difference in my daily routine is amazing.
Before, as a full-time dev:
6am - Wake to alarm
630 - Drive to work
7-4 - At work. Eat breakfast and lunch at desk while working.
430 - Home. Fam time and dinner.
7-10 - Build my consulting biz
After, as an independent:
7ish - Wake to sunlight - No alarm
730 - Breakfast
8-930 - At gym with my wife
930-4 - Client work in my home office. Lunches with friends and fam. Afternoon walk with my wife.
4-9 - Relax. Fam time. Read.
Independence is amazing. Getting here was hard, but worth it.
You might think “hey, that’s way less than 40 hours.”
2 points:
1. As an independent, you should typically set your rate high enough that you don’t need to bill 40 hours.
2. I work some on weekends too. Here’s why: I find work more productive and enjoyable when I do it in small, focused bursts.