Hi Barbara!

>Short term: Go to your local user group. If you don't have one, start one, or join the nearest one. If they don't have a Job Leads clearing house, start one (I run ours, so let me know by email if I can help). Don't limit the group to VFP - if you know programmers in other languages you can share jobs. Think how happy you'll make an Access programmer by recommending him for a job you heard about! Maybe even happy enough he'll do the same for you.

Outstanding advice. I'd like to know more about how you are running the Jobs Lead clearing house. We'd like to start one in our FUG. Email me?

>Also, try talking to a few headhunters - many are becoming open to telling clients that contract workers will do the job as well as employees, and once you have a foot in the door you can negotiate days on-site vs days at home.

Yes. Find one or more that seem trustworthy and stick with them. It's in their best interests to find you work.

>Go to every job interview that sounds even remotely possible. The worst that happens is a few wasted hours. You may be surprised at what will work.

Yes. And also respond to permanent positions with a letter that says that you're not interested in a permanent position (unless you are), but that you believe that you can contribute as a contractor.

>Finally, for long term success, keep your clients happy. Adjust your UI to THEIR demands, even if it "Isn't Windows Standard". Ask the end-users to show you exactly how the do their job NOW and how they think it SHOULD be done. Then write your UI accordingly. Even the lowest data-entry person has good ideas about making his own work simpler.

MORE outstanding advice from the master :-D