1099 for parents


I've worked for myself as a 1099 both before I had kids and after I had kids, so I feel qualified to describe some of the tradeoffs of having kids as a 1099.

Advantages:

  • You have more autonomy and control of your schedule. This comes in really handy when you need to come home because your kid is sick or when random stuff pops up.
  • You generally earn more so you can spend some of that money outsourcing things that take time away from your kids (cleaners, lawn mowers, etc.)
  • You can demonstrate to your kids that you don't have to work for the man in a W2 job. Getting a job is typically the only example of work a kid sees, so if you can provide another example for them, you allow your kid to think more creatively about their future.

Disadvantages

  • You don't get paid maternity/paternity leave. You don't get extra paid time off for this, just unpaid time off. Plus your project may not allow you to be away for a few months.
  • Health insurance is even more expensive. Adding each kid to my plan added about another $4k - $5k / year in health insurance costs.
  • There's more pressure with kids. Once I had kids, I felt more pressure to provide. This means very long unplanned project gaps are unacceptable. When it was just me, it was no big deal. Having a safe W2 job seems better from a stress perspective sometimes.

If you're a parent considering going 1099, I'd love to hear your concerns! Or alternatively, if you're already a 1099 parent, I'd love to hear about some of the pros/cons you've experienced.


If you're interested in learning how to get your first solo 1099 federal sub-contract, check out my book:

Going 1099: How to become a solo federal sub-contractor and gain control of your working life, earn more money and unlock more free time

I'm Dale, the author of Going 1099

Going 1099 is a book that teaches you how to become a solo federal sub-contractor and gain control of your working life, earn more money and unlock more free time. I wrote it because quite a few people have asked me how they can become a 1099. I figured it was best to write a single book that I can send them and that I can share with others who are interested. This newsletter goes out Monday - Friday and covers topics that will help you succeed in starting and maintaining successful 1099 career.

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