Michelle,

Just to back-up what John has already said. I've been *programming* for about seven years, but not very seriously until the past three. Oddly, that was only one year before I decided to become an contractor. Prior to that I worked in positions that allowed me to do application develop within a department, usually financial stuff, and finally made a move to work within an MIS enviornment. John is right; the key is selling yourself (or work with someone who sells the both of you) and having the understanding and confidence to do the job. It's not for everyone though, even at it's best. I travel a lot (i.e. stay in hotels away from the people I care about), have to provide my own health insurance, am always wondering if the next contract will be as easy to get (and worthwhile) as the one I may soon be leaving and negotiating rates. Of course, I like all that stuff personally and wouldn't trade the freedom, the ability to create products that I'm proud of, learning about a variety of industries, meeting new people and learning something (sometimes tons) from each contract I take.

Just some thoughts...

Renoir