Taking the plunge to go eng consultant -oft asked I suppose?

[Buffalo]

I've always thought about working for myself - as in I've liked the idea of it, but always doubted my own ability to do it. As I get older I've started to realise that I know about as much of my field as most other independent consultants I come across and I start to resent having to use them to verify my own work from time to time. The main reason I would like to become independent is control my workload toward projects I am more interested in. I also like the idea of streamlining my expenses in what I see to be a more efficient manner; i.e. expense as much as possible through a business (I realise this is an often blurred line and mistreatment comes with penalties, but nonetheless I still believe it to be a better way).

I've always moved my career around to get good experience and good exposure in different overseas markets. I will pursue getting CEng this year though as I see it as an important qualifier.

This site is a good resource and I would appreciate any experiences that others could share. Outside of this site, are their any other good resources that I could benefit from using to find out more about setting up a business, tax affairs, marketing, experiences, etc? I am also not sure where to set up (base) my business, or if I could set it up with multiple branches as it were, as I can legally work in UK (incl Europe) and Australia - I am sure there are pros and cons for both.

Thanks

[niva441]

Go for it, it's the best thing I ever did.

It's a far simpler and more rewarding life without having to jump through HR created hoops and being able to earn more without having to forget your engineering knowledge and take on management load.

I haven't gone for CEng and haven't found it to be an issue, in fact I'm still not convinced what the IMechE actually do. Although they manage to produce a useful copy of Automotive Engineer the month I wonder whether I need to pay their subscription.

I've been contracting for 9 years now and had 1 month without work, which was handy as I had a few things on that Christmas.

[Buffalo]

Thanks for the reply. Can I ask though, do you do short term contracts (sort of to do a job that they haven't been able to recruit for yet), or are you brought in for specific work..? In the same vein I suppose, do you rely on word of mouth, or actively reach out for work (either yourself or via a recruitment aide)? Nine years should be a good time to at least be known by a number of clients?

Re_CEng, Currently I am working in Canada and CEng (or PEng as it is referred to here) is required for anyone who calls themselves an Engineer with signing authority - this is where I see CEng as an advantage...

[niva441]

I suppose my contract are best described as mid term, 6 to 12 months with the option to extend.

I find new contracts by contacting agents directly and also previous clients. Having left my CV on jobsite and also being on LinkedIn I get contacted by agents speculatively, although despite claiming to be engineering specialists, few understand what I do.

Interesting what a professional organisation with a spine can achieve. The company I'm at currently used to put notices on the broken coffee machines saying an engineer has been called.