> But I suspect there are more strategic options. Some other suggestions things to think about: * you'll need a significant buffer (bare minimum 4-6mo) to s

> But I suspect there are more strategic options. Some other suggestions things to think about: * you'll need a significant buffer (bare minimum 4-6mo) to smooth out income variability. If you are on your own, you will probably always have high variability. * Having an "anchor" contract before you transition would really help - e.g. 6-12mo with enough time committed to cover your basics. This shouldn't be more than max 40% time commitment, or else you won't get anything else done. * You are going to become a salesperson. Commit to being decent at it. * Understand what service you are selling and who you are targeting. You could have a high value, short engagement consulting business where you mostly talk to execs, you could have a higher volume (hours), lower cost, longer engagement business where you mostly provide bandwidth or experience variability to engineering managers. These are not the same business; trying to do both will probably fail. * pricing is a signal. It's also hard to change. * billing hourly is easier for you and them at first, but will put you in a box. billing by value will bring in a lot more $ assuming you can a) sell it and b) deliver * what work you accept and don't accept is also a strong signal, but in the early days there is a tendency to take anything that comes along when you need revenue. Be careful not to pigeonhole yourself this way. * cashflow issues will surprise you. If you are billing large orgs (especially public sector) you may have no choice on payment terms (but you will get paid). Outside of that, decide some you can live with and communicate very clearly. Net-15 or Net-30 with a proper discount will help you on flow.