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.
Be helpful
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 to someone in your network. Or, when you're working with your current boss or client, try to identify what problems they have and see what you can do to solve those problems. Make their lives easier. People have a need to reciprocate, so if you do someone a favor, they will feel the need to do you favor. In addition to the Machiavellian aspect of this, you will also feel good. It feels nice to do something for someone else. So don't just focus on your own needs and wants, find ways to help others get what they need and want. If you're interested in learning how to get your first solo 1099 federal sub-contract, check out my book: |
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.
A 1099 with too much timeSource One of the perks of going 1099 is you'll likely have opportunities to increase the amount of free time in your life. On my first project, I took Fridays off. It was great! No issues there. Three day weekends are very natural. But there were times when I intentionally or unintentionally took an extended time off (> 2 months). You would think that with all that free time I'd be ultra productive or doing something fun and interesting. Nope! I'm embarrassed to...
How to deal with a sucky clientSource If you have a troubled relationship with a client, the best thing you can do is find a new project where you don't work with that client. Trying to fix it is almost certainly not worth it because clients have the upper hand in the power dynamic (unless you changed all the passwords to key programs, in which case you might have leverage...). If you try to fix it, you're just going to be frustrated. Use that energy to find a gig that's a better fit. If...
Grandpa Simpson commands SME level ratesSource Here's a rough bill rate estimate based on your experience level. Obviously, depending on what you do and the particulars of your contract, this could change dramatically, but I just want to give you sense of what I've seen. Junior (0-4 years experience): $75 - $100/hour Experienced (4-8 years experience) : $100 - $140/hour Very Experienced/Expert (8-15 years experience): $140 - $180 / hour Subject Matter Expert (15+ years of specialized...