20% minimum


You may be considering going 1099 because you want a substantial increase in your income.

But if you would be happy with a 20% raise, even if you had to still be a W2 employee, I would seriously consider just getting a new job.

If you're an employee and you are looking for a big raise, one recommended tactic is to simply look for a job at another company that pays more.

It's possible to re-negotiate your compensation at your current company, but once you are working at the company, you are part of their system and are subject to the system's limitations.

These may include policies like no off-cycle raises, required ranking against other employees, etc.

Getting a new job avoids these problems because you simply filter for higher paying roles and only accept offers that pay more.

But, if you know you'll be unhappy even with a 20% raise, you should consider going 1099.

Every company has problems, and going 1099 can get you around those problems.

Going 1099 means less bureaucracy, more autonomy, and the feeling that you control (or at least, have more influence), over your future earnings and lifestyle.

It's relatively easy to get a 20% pay bump by switching jobs. But it's much harder to get a 20% pay bump, the ability to take Fridays off, and not have to deal with nonsense company policies.


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.

Read more from I'm Dale, the author of Going 1099

Rocky was a 1099 If you're a decently skilled employee in the government contracting world, there is no reason you shouldn't be able to go 1099. The main differentiator I've seen between people who claim they want to go 1099 and the people that actually do it, are that the people who pull it off are just a little more aggressive (assuming they are equally skilled, in desirable fields, etc.). The successful ones "pester" their network a bit more, negotiate a bit harder, and push to go 1099 for...

Offering half a muffin can often be helpfulvia X When you're trying to go 1099, you're largely focused on what you want. Imagining getting what you want is highly energizing and motivating, so it's easy to focus our energies there. But it's important to focus on what you can do to help others. For example, when you network with people, see if there are ways you can assist them. Maybe they have a friend looking for a job in your field, and you can meet them for coffee and make an introduction...

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