If you're in the U.S., look into contracting/consulting directly for companies. Companies pay handsomely for a couple of things: (1) risk reduction and (2) pain

If you're in the U.S., look into contracting/consulting directly for companies. Companies pay handsomely for a couple of things: (1) risk reduction and (2) pain relief I don't recommend trying to meet their needs for #1. I just mention it because I think a lot of people give risk reduction away for free i.e. fixed price contracts. If you do decide to offer a fixed price, at least double your rate. You'll still lose money but maybe not as bad. ;-) Pain relief, on the other hand might be in your wheelhouse. Let me clarify; sometimes when a manager needs to get certain projects done, throwing 6 junior programmers isn't going to cut it. Sometimes a manager needs someone who has a lot more fk ups [where do you think experience comes from?] under their belt and now knows what to do. If you can be that guy, you can make his pain go away to the tune of $150-200/hr.