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.
Swedish Fika to build relationships
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One of the reasons I wanted to go 1099 was because I'm not really a team player. I like to do my own thing. I always rolled my eyes at company parties at social events. They always seem forced and awkward. So going 1099 was right for me. BUT, there is a risk you can isolate yourself. Going solo means you actually need to be more deliberately social than if you work for a bigger company. This WSJ article wrote about a Swedish tradition called, "Fika," which is basically a planned group coffee break. Sweden Has a Caffeinated Secret to Happiness at Work "Pronounced “fee-kah,” the Swedish culture of breaking for coffee involves much more than a schlep to Starbucks. It’s meant to be a deliberate pause to provide space and time for people to connect ... “Fika is where we talk life, we talk everything but work itself,” said Micael Dahlen, professor of well-being, welfare and happiness at the Stockholm School of Economics. The ritual helps drive trivsel, he says, a term that means a combination of workplace enjoyment and thriving. The concept is so fundamental to Swedish workplaces that many companies in Sweden have trivselcommittees, he said." Sounds pleasant! And I believe, if done right, it works. There are two ways I did something similar on my projects:
The coffees were more frequent and I'd chat with my colleagues on the way to the Starbucks, in line, and for a few minutes when we were back in the office. Happy hours were maybe once per quarter and it'd offer a longer time window (in a mildly intoxicated state) for deeper bonding. It achieved a few things:
It's also fun for what it's worth. Put in a little effort into establishing your own "Fika" ritual. It's worth it. 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.
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