Monthly Archives: July 2021
Should I Take a W-2 Project???
This post is in response to a question posed by the AICN (Alliance of IEEE Consultant’s Networks.)
A company posted a “consulting position” on the Consultant’s Finder that sounded a lot like an employee (W-2) search. This prompted a discussion by members is this was appropriate for the site, and whether a consultant should even accept a W-2 project.
The general consensus was it was OK, but several of us had caveats. Here is my response:
Agree re posting. Looks like a W-2 situation, but if that is acceptable to respondents, fine. But has been pointed out, everything is negotiable.
Had that happen early in my consulting career, when a client responded to my quote (through a contracting firm) with a W-2. That was when the IRS first had their shorts in a knot about technical consultants. The contracting firm changed that to a 1099 project after I provided proof that I had multiple clients, web site, etc.
No problems, and it was all friendly. But I was willing to walk if we could not reach an agreement.
As a result, we adopted firm policies of NOT accepting W-2s, non-compete terms, or guarantees. In 35 years we never lost business, but sometimes it took a brief explanation. As independent consultants, we are free to run our businesses as we see fit.
My two cents… to each their own…
Daryl
Full Disclosure — I am a long time member of both the IEEE and the AICN, and can recommend both for technical consultants.
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Happy Independence Day 2021…
Since this blog is about independence, July 4 is always a special day here.
No, this is not about politics or waving the flag — rather it is about living life on YOUR terms (not those of anyone else.)
Decided to recycle my July 4 post from ten years ago. I’ve surprised myself that the blog has continued this long, but people tell me they still find it useful. That, and the FREE monthly teleconferences. So read along, and join us at the next FREE teleconference.
Here is the 2011 Independence Day post:
Since I selected an Independence Day motif for my blog, it is only appropriate to offer some Independence Day musings.
As stated elsewhere, freedom was a major motivator in my JumpToConsulting. But I didn’t realize it right away. Rather, that epiphany came a few months later.
Driving back from a client and listening to the radio, the commentator was discussing small business. He then quoted a survey that showed that the majority of small businesses were started for freedom — not, as many assume, for money or even power.
I about drove off the road. Yes, I suddenly realized! That was the main motivator for me too. The first few years were lean — made a little less money and worked many more hours.
But it was all worth it for the freedom to do my own thing, to make my own decisions, and even to clean up my own messes.
But freedom is not for everyone, and that is OK too. Some people prefer the security of a steady paycheck, or the camaraderie of the water cooler. Other have family responsibilities that preclude taking financial risks. And many are very content with things as they are in the world.
Over the years, I’ve run into several examples of the above. After brief discussions, I’ve even discouraged some of them from making the JumpToConsulting. After all, not everyone is meant to be an entrepreneur.
But if you want to change the world and the itch is there, it is hard to fight it (see previous post.)
I suspect our nation’s Founding Fathers felt the same itch. After all, many were already independent businessmen — Ben Franklin, Paul Revere, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and more.
Some were even traditional “consultants” — John Adams (lawyer) among others. All valued their freedom, and were willing to work, fight, and even die for it.
As Ben Franklin said at the signing of the Declaration of Independence “We must hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.” Said in humor, it reflected the seriousness of the situation.
Fortunately, none of us face being hanged for making a JumpToConsulting, or any other jump. Their success gave us the freedom to pursue our independence today.
So thanks Ben, Paul, Tom, George, John, and all the rest!
Happy Independence Day, and remember, “UNCLE DARYL wants YOU.. to find your FREEDOM too!
Happy Fourth of July! Let freedom ring…
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