>>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
>
>Traveling is something I hadn't considered. That goes against the idea of being able to be home with the kids. I suppose it depends on how much local work I was able to get. Another reason for the 5 year time frame is that we'll probably be moving to Denver then. I don't know how much work I'd get in a small town like La Crosse.
>
>As to "ability to create products that I'm proud of", how much creative control do you usually have over a project? That's one thing I like about where I work now. I'm designing and programming the app with very little management intervention. Heck, the boss has only looked at what I've done once, and that was 2 months into the project.
>
>I really like desiging the user interface part. Do you get to do that, or does the client decide what it will look like?
>
>After reading the responses, I'm actually losing some enthusiasm. I think I was really naieve about what's involved. I guess it depends a lot on where I am in 5 years. If this company stays in business, I'd like to stay. But if I end up having to work somewhere I don't like, then I'll have more incentive to go on my own. For now, I'll just keep learning and see what opportunities come my way.
>
>Thanks,
>
>-Michelle

Michelle, don't loose the enthusiasm. :) Probably for starters you may not look for the contracts on your own, but contact some consulting companies in your area or in the bigger cities near you) and find out the possibilities of subcontracts. It is a good idea to have a business partner, also if you know somebody who are overworked independent consultants :) it is another possibility to help them with their projects as subcontractor. Read Whil Hentzhen's Book "The 1999 Developer's Guide" (check out http://hentzenwerke.com)

Nick