I'm kind of curious about people that do contract work. I think this is something I'd like to do eventually, and I'm wondering what's involved. At this point it's purely curiosity as I only have a year of professional programming experience and I doubt anyone would hire me. :)

How much experience do you think is the minimum before going out on your own. I was thinking of trying it in about 5 years. That's about when we're planning on having kids, and I thought this would be a good way to be able to be home with them. I'm sure I'd still have to hire someone to help if I wanted to get any actual programming done, but at least I'd be home if I was needed.

Am I being unrealistic? I really know nothing about being a consultant (is that even the right term?). What kinds of things, besides VFP are good to know? I'm thinking I should learn about SQL Server. What else?

Now that I'm typing this, I guess it actually isn't purely curiosity. If I want to do this, I have a lot to learn, and now isn't too early to start.

How do you go about getting the contracts? Do you have to be a good salesperson? I'm not. I think it would be best if I found a partner that was good at the business side so I could just program. Is that unrealistic?

Well, this post is getting long. I'd like to hear your ideas, opinions, suggestions, warnings, etc.

Thanks,

-Michelle