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I have been considering freelancing route for a while. And the reasons you gave above are same for me.

In addition, I work in a big corp where I spend a lot of time red tapes formalities but contractors in my team only have to worry about their code and they get paid almost double some employees.

My question is how did you get started? I know you said subcontracting, is it through a consulting firm or do you do it through your own firm?

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I set up my own firm first. But for my country (Netherlands) that's really just a simple registration that takes all of ten minutes. Then I sent my resume to a number of agencies that broker between corporations and subcontractors. They usually ask your rate, do the negotiations with you and the end custoner, and take 15-25% margin.

I think it's worth it but YMMV.

Furthermore there's a host of smaller stuff that you need to take care of. Liability ensurance, pension, health insurance, bookkeeping, separate bank account, and sending a time sheet and bill every month.

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