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I ran a small consultancy for about 15 years and came away convinced that is the way to go for folks that can't get work because of a criminal record. Even tho

by jcims 5y ago

I ran a small consultancy for about 15 years and came away convinced that is the way to go for folks that can't get work because of a criminal record. Even though we were entrusted with some pretty serious information (we were in infosec), none of our customers except for one large bank and the federal government did any kind of independent background checks or insisted on any specific hiring practices. I think you probably need the facade of a brand instead of just Joe Blow, independent contractor, but most people just trusted it. We did have a few customers insist on E&O insurance, which may present some challenges, but most didn't care about any of that. This might seem like a million miles away from where you are now, but if the skills you have or can develop are marketable it might be something to look into...if for no other reason than to give you some hope.

cubano 5y ago
You have to know that I've tried, and continue, to try this, but apparently it seems like my addictions are almost certainly tied to my inability to create relationships like the ones needed to get hired like this. Loner-ism isn't exactly the best trait for landing contract jobs, or for sales in general...just in case you were perhaps wondering. I had a fair amount of success on the Upwork platform until some real dickweek in New Jersey destoryed my JSS score because I wouldn't violate federal law and allow them to dictate the exact hours I was to work as a 1099 IC. Worse, I feel, is that Upwork agreed with them (of course because they have the money) about this situation that could not be more plainly written on the IRS website. I don't know exactly how you landed the contracts you did in order to pay the bills and such, but I don't seem to have any skill with that, so while I really appreciate the brainstorming everyone is doing, people should know that I'll never give up trying to better my life and make a living doing what I love.

by jcims 5y ago

cubano 5y ago

You have to know that I've tried, and continue, to try this, but apparently it seems like my addictions are almost certainly tied to my inability to create relationships like the ones needed to get hired like this. Loner-ism isn't exactly the best trait for landing contract jobs, or for sales in general...just in case you were perhaps wondering. I had a fair amount of success on the Upwork platform until some real dickweek in New Jersey destoryed my JSS score because I wouldn't violate federal law and allow them to dictate the exact hours I was to work as a 1099 IC. Worse, I feel, is that Upwork agreed with them (of course because they have the money) about this situation that could not be more plainly written on the IRS website. I don't know exactly how you landed the contracts you did in order to pay the bills and such, but I don't seem to have any skill with that, so while I really appreciate the brainstorming everyone is doing, people should know that I'll never give up trying to better my life and make a living doing what I love.