>>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.
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>>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.
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>>I really like desiging the user interface part. Do you get to do that, or does the client decide what it will look like?
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>>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.
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>>Thanks,
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>>-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)
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>Nick

Actually, this idea has come up in a rather interesting way in my email. It sounds like a good way to "get my feet wet".

I'll check out the book.

Thanks,

-Michelle