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I'm Dale, the author of Going 1099

From getting fired to going 1099

Published 21 days ago • 1 min read

I have a colleague at work who I met last week at a team happy hour.

She works for the prime, but she mentioned that until the a year prior, she had been working for herself as a 1099 for 20 years.

Naturally, I wanted to know how she became a 1099.

A few interesting tidbits:

  • She worked as a PeopleSoft developer at DoD for a sub-contractor (I think it was Booz)
  • Booz wanted to "green" the contract and basically replace more expensive, older folks with younger, cheaper folks to boost profits
  • She was on the chopping block and would have to find another project
  • The prime was not happy with this and invited her to stay on as a 1099
  • She ended up working for herself until this job because it had good benefits
  • She'll likely go back to becoming 1099 soon

Because of her competence, good relationship with the prime, and her willingness to take a risk, she was able to have a long and successful 1099 career. She turned a challenge into an opportunity.

I'm not sure what the benefits story is, perhaps a project fell through and this W2 job was the best short term option to pay for benefits.

What's funny is she said couldn't stand having to accrue PTO and will go back to becoming a 1099.

I've seen a bunch of folks go 1099 by accident.

However, you can do it deliberately.

You don't need to wait until you're on the verge of getting fired.


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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