I recently became a contracter, telecommuting from home.

It was _hell_ finding work, even though I'm an experienced C++ and VFP programmer and technical writer. I sent out 42 resumes to local (Central California area) businesses. I got about five calls, none of which amounted to anything.

When I finally did get work, it was from contacts I already knew. But it only takes a couple. If you do a great job (which goes without question for you and me, of course:), one client will tell her friends and associates about you. You do good work for them, they tell more, and so on exponentially.

At least that's how it's beginning to seem now. After a couple of months of sheer terror, I finally have to start turning down projects. Whew! :)

VFP is a good skill to have, I think. No, there's not as much call for it as VB. But there's less competition, too.

One good way to slide into this is to start contracting for your current employer. Odds are, they'd go for that, rather than lose you altogether.

If you're going to dive into the contracting world, be prepared for a dry spell. Ideally, have six months' income in liquid assets to tide you over. Make friends. Be nice. Don't argue (like I do). :)