Hey everybody, long time lurker but first time poster because I wanted to poll the forum’s collective wisdom. I’m currently employed by a Construction Consulting Company that does both scheduling and forensic scheduling analysis and I’ve spent the last approximate two years learning both of these topics and have learned just enough to be dangerous. It’s dangerous because I’m fairly entrepreneurial and have been mulling over the idea of starting up my own practice for primarily planning but also forensic scheduling work. Before I do that though, I wanted to see if I could gather some advice from experienced professionals so I know what I’m getting myself into. Also if it helps, I do have experience in construction and spent the first five years of my career there and do not plan on becoming a software jockey.
Here are some of the issues I’m trying to work through:
- For those who are already working like this, what are the issues that you faced that I should consider before transitioning from salaried to freelance?
- What’s the best way to find new clients (I have a network that I believe would hire me initially but I’m trying to figure out how to make the transition because I don’t think there would be enough work to sustain my standard of living)?
- How do you determine billable rates and accurately estimate how long it would take to plan a project?
- Is it important to clients to have a PSP or CCE certification? I’m not yet eligible to take the exams.
- For the gaps in my understanding of planning, what are other good resources, outside of PP, to turn to?
I know the answers to these questions could be fairly wordy so feel free to pick and choose what to answer. I will appreciate any and all advice, even if it’s negative.
Thanks for your time!