However, I eventually want to make the move into freelancing. So I'm thinking this is a good opportunity to pitch them to let me leave fulltime employment, but continuing working with them as a freelancer.
Anyone have any experience/advice doing this? Thanks!
Some companies will outsource to former employees others don't. You can get a sense for your current employer based on if they are currently doing it.
There are good reasons not to outsource. Chief among them is just the PITA of coordination, and the loss of flexibility...your boss can tell you as an employee to climb up on top of the dumpster and jump up and down to compress the rotten chicken parts if that's the business priority. A contractor across the country is going to negotiate a rate first.
So if you're serious about free-lancing:
1. Identify a big pool of potential clients.
2. Nobody is a client until they have written you a check.
3. Have a contract.
4. Require a retainer.
The best possible situation is that THEY bring it up. Make it clear you're leaving, make it clear you're going to still have time to work on their projects, and let them come to you with the idea of freelancing for them. You'll be in a much better bargaining position. And don't forget to ask for more money if you're switching to 1099 contracting (you're gonna get hit with self employment taxes, etc).
More ideas on ramping-up a freelancer business, recommend checking out Alan Weiss-- author of several books on consulting practices> http://www.summitconsulting.com/