In the software world? Not sure, I mostly do niche environmental consulting, engineering, modeling, etc. and have a reputation for solving weird problems for p

In the software world? Not sure, I mostly do niche environmental consulting, engineering, modeling, etc. and have a reputation for solving weird problems for people in a variety of industries. Typically the lucrative work I'm talking about happens when I just negotiate a flat fee and it doesn't take me that long. Companies often like that because it limits their risk compared to my hourly rate. But honestly most consulting in most fields should have this type of negotiating opportunity. As long as it's not a field with some sort of existing convention of hiring lots of "independent contractors" that probably should be employees. As for time in... It takes a lot for maybe a year or so to get enough reputation that you aren't hustling for clients. But now they call me and I decide whether or not I can take them. I get a lot of last minute rush gigs which are usually the best money if I want to take them. Often I don't, and I throw out a "fuck you go away" number and then they jump at it anyway.