I've been doing consulting as a self-employed dev for 3 years. Saved my sanity.

In those 3 years -

* I've had 4 clients (mostly happy!) - which is a TON more experience than most get in ten years (and future clients want that knowledge!)

* Wrote a book on software development (yay, resume item!)

* Took months off to recharge and sharpen my skills

I truly enjoy the path and can't see myself going back fulltime anytime soon. It is work, however, but more rewarding if you ask me.

You have to sell yourself, need a good network, and you need the right paperwork.

Always happy to chat about it - email is in my bio. I'm very bubbly and don't bite!