>>>>>>If they need someone ASAP I would ask them for a bump up in that $40/hour.
>>>>>
>>>>>I never agree to any amount until I understand what they need me to do. This true for any position. The staffing agent told me this was what they were saying they would pay. I would sending my bill the staffing agency and they would charge the client. Also, I don't currently know how much the prior person was earning. After I have a chance to talk with the client tonight I should have a better idea as to what is expected of me. Then, I will consider negotiating the terms of the contract.
>>>>>
>>>>>It has been a long time since I have worked as a independent contractor. And I have never had a middle man involved in the contract agreement. Before I agree to anything, I need to see their contract. Despite all the hype around this, I have not agreed to anything. Too many "What If" to answer. Too many sacrifices in just the moving itself.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>Good idea. You are probably getting an incomplete (if not distorted) view of the situation from the staffing agency. They are likely charging 2-3 times as much as what they are presenting to you, and as a 1099, they are getting it at very little risk. So, if you're on the fence, you might be able to negotiate a better rate and make the decision easier.
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>>>I agree. The more think about it, the more unanswered question arise. I have been informed that the client is to have a decision on Monday. If I am selected, then the ball is in my court. Much to think about over the weekend. Besides, they are not the only fish in the pond.
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>>Never let them rush you into a contract that requires relocating!! If they say they require a decision from you by Monday that means they either think you are the best choice or you are the only choice. You have leverage.
>>
>>Do your footwork. VERIFY what it will cost to live there - make no assumptions. The rate they are quoting is low for local contracts - you could be in a world of hurt if you commit to the contract, get there, and find out you can't afford it.
>>
>>Been there. Done that.
>
>Good advise. Play with the Cost Of Living Calculator on PayScale.com, and using the prior pay rate I was receiving at my prior job, I would have to be earning about twice as much in Honolulu. Now considering the fact that at the time I excepted the prior position, I was married and Angela required constant medical care, we pretty much broke even every month (4-6k / month). Now that I am on my own again, I require far less (1k-2k / month). From my calculation I should be able to survive on the $40 / hour, providing I work 40+ hours a day. This one of the concerns I have about this position. Because it is being offered as 1099, and the duties is maintenance on existing (obsoleting) application, it could turn out to be a "work only when there is something to do" type a job. Not to mention as the months roll on, the need for my services could start to dwindle, and probably will.
>
>Now I am really starting to get concerned.

Go.

First tell them you want $50/hour. If they agree to that, which they will, start making the moving plans. Before you know it you will be living in Hawaii and the money will be rolling in again at the rate of $2000 per week. And has anyone mentioned Hawaii? Just do it. This change is going to do you good. It's not like you are leaving much behind in Memphis, are you?