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Ask HN: Consulting in tech. How to start?

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Re: Ask HN: Consulting in tech. How to start?

#21

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I aim for 3:1 or so when working alone, work real hard for three months then have the rest of the year to pursue my own projects.

Don't you get tempted to just work the whole year (and the next two or three) and just retire?

Too many side projects... I get tempted not to work at all and cut my expenses even further. Also, I'd rather just cherry pick the good jobs instead of lowering the price to be busy all the time.

Re: Ask HN: Consulting in tech. How to start?

#22

You can contact one of the big recruiting agencies like Robert Half and they will negotiate contracts for you. They will also take some unknown percentage above whatever hourly rate you negotiate with them. However, if a client likes you they can hire out outside of the recruiter (usually by paying off the recruiter for the option.) I've gotten hired for a few jobs like this and then I had a network of clients in my…

Margin is typically 35% (less if the contract is longer or if you're part of some bundle) so yeah, you bill at 90, that's client billed at 90 / .65 = 140 or so.
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