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A lot of these are mitigated if you're a "self-employed consultant" who just happens to have one particular client which indefinitely defers invoices. (I use t
by patio11 14y ago
A lot of these are mitigated if you're a "self-employed consultant" who just happens to have one particular client which indefinitely defers invoices. (I use this very frequently in Japan, which makes Tulsa look like Silicon Valley in terms of tolerating novel employment options.)
- spitfire 14y agoI don't quite follow you here. Can you explain this more explicitly for me Patrick?
- unimpressive 14y agoHis point, as I understand it; was that if you say you're a "consultant" you get treated better.
- spitfire 14y agoI was confused by the "a lot" bit. Around here "consultant" means you don't work for the government, which means you are a leper.
- patio11 14y agoLandlord: "I need to see your last two paystubs." Me: "I am a self-employed consultant, so my income doesn't come with a pay stub. Would running my credit or a letter of reference from the bank be acceptable as an alternative?" or Wife's Family: "What is it you do exactly?" Me: "Well-regarded software companies in Tokyo, the US, and Europe pay me to advise them on selling more software." WF: "But you're not working right now. Are you... Between employers?" Me: "... In general, I have a lot of flexibility in how I arrange my affairs, and I thought I'd rather come to a family outing than work today." or Government Official: "What is your employment?" Me: "I'm a self-employed engineering consultant as attested to by this blue folder of official forms issued by the last 32 departments I had this discussion with." GO: "That isn't permitted under..." Me: "3rd page." GO: "reads But your taxes..." Me: "Starts on 5th page, continues through 9th, previous years are in the next pocket." GO: "So things are pretty much in order?" Me: "Well, 32 offices say yes, and who am I, one little voice with no authority to override all of their decisions simultaneously, to say otherwise." GO: "Ok, we're done." Me: "Can I get your stamp on this certificate? I think you'll find it costs 200 yen."
- spitfire 14y agoI see your point. I was thinking more in a softer sense, where that might not work. Around here people are /very/ conservative 17% retirement population, 20%+ work for govt, a large chunk of the rest for large govt owned businesses (crown corporations)
- mechanical_fish 14y agoYou could try telling people that you build software for the government. All it takes is one contributed bugfix to the right open-source project and you'll be telling the truth. If they ask for details just tell 'em. E.g.: "Well, [federal website X] is built on an infrastructure that was assembled by a big team of developers from around the world, and I'm one of them."
- spitfire 14y agoI have a better solution. sell to and deal with people who care about getting things done, rather than "who" you are. Problem solved.