Hi Guys,

I am thinking of taking the plunge into contracting, but have worries on how this will affect my career.  I have 3 years IT Support and where many hats.  My concerns are is this the correct route to take in terms of expereice gained in the security arena, or am I best travelling along the perm route.  If anyone has been in the same situtation it would be great to here your stories 

I'll second what don has to say.  You absolutely can't make a fresh start, and expect to focus and grow a consulting business, if you don't first have enough work lined up to make it a profitable venture.  Not unless you've got some capital lined up, and are purchasing an already established company along the way.  Going out too early, and leaving behind other opportunities to maintain your 'status quo' will only lead to a failed opportunity, from my experiences.

Reach out, use your networking and connections, and get a solid base built up, know where your business is headed and have your direction already in progress, and you'll go a lot further.  The fact that you're even asking about it is enough to tell me that you're making an intelligent effort towards doing it right.  Just know that consulting is a tough business to start from scratch, and be prepared to work for what you want. 

Additionally, put together a business plan, and talk to outsiders who have been through the whole process, successfully, so that you have some idea what to expect, as well as how to go about certain things, make informed decisions, etc.  While not necessarily 'mirroring' their business and efforts, follow their examples, and tailor yourself for success!

Keep on track, and you'll go far in business AND life. 

Good luck, delusion.

Loss of revenue when doing a course or conference is definitely a perspective  of consulting that I never thought of.

I've entertained the idea of taking the consulting plunge throughout my career, but haven't been brave enough yet to do it. I figure if anything happens to my current position I may just finally go for it.

What type of consulting do you do? You're independent I take it?