Going Independent Finally

I'm saying goodbye to permanent employment and hello to Wilson Software Consulting. That's right, I've given my 2 weeks notice and started incorporating as an S-Corp. Risky?  Not at the moment, since I've already found an exclusive full-time client. Actually, they found me through my site and the other online activities that I do! They've got a lot to do, so I'm not looking for more clients, at least no time soon, although its nice to get my own corp setup, since you never really know the future. Did I also say I'll be working from home?  That was definitely the clencher for me, as that saves me from at least 1 1/2 hours of Atlanta traffic everyday, if not more. And I really look forward to having a little more flexibility with my family time, and just in time for summer -- oops, my allergies will keep me indoors regardless.
Published Friday, April 16, 2004 1:48 PM by PaulWilson

Comments

# re: Going Independent Finally

Congratulations - judging by the service you give the community - you'll have a rip roaring success on your hands

Friday, April 16, 2004 1:49 PM by David Miles

# re: Going Independent Finally

Congratulations. I've been independent for about 3 years and have no plans of going back to the daily grind. It's a great life as long as the pipeline is full and the bills are paid. :-)

One bit of advice...get a good accountant.

mike

Friday, April 16, 2004 1:52 PM by M. Eaton

# re: Going Independent Finally

Congratulations!!! One day, it'll be me. :)

Friday, April 16, 2004 1:52 PM by Jeffrey Palermo

# re: Going Independent Finally

Congrats, I have been doing it for 2 years and 6 days now; best decision I made!

Friday, April 16, 2004 1:56 PM by M. Keith Warren

# re: Going Independent Finally

Congrats. I have been doing it for 4 1/2 years and I hope I never have to be full time again.

Friday, April 16, 2004 1:57 PM by Paul Speranza

# re: Going Independent Finally

Congrats!

I made the switch last September and my only regret was not doing it sooner.

Best of Luck!

Friday, April 16, 2004 1:59 PM by Frank

# re: Going Independent Finally

Good deal Paul. I can totally relate to the atlanta traffic. I spend an hour and a half in it every day as well. (on a good day).

I looked for you at DevDays last month in ATL, wanted to introduce myself. Oh well, always time for that some other day.

Friday, April 16, 2004 2:09 PM by Darron

# re: Going Independent Finally

Congratulations! From what I've observed, I'm sure you will do very well.

I came very close to going independent last fall when my contract with WebMD was coming to a close. Instead, I took a job with a very small company (I'm employee #4). I guess it's almost like being independent. The office is 1 hour away from where I live, on the other side of Nashville, TN. But, I get to work from home one day a week, which is very nice.

Friday, April 16, 2004 2:17 PM by David Neal

# re: Going Independent Finally

Congratulations! :)

Working in/for your own company is much nicer than working for others :) I've my own company now for 7 years and I'll never ever go back :)

As said before: get a good accountant.
Another tip: never trust on 1 client. You're still a contractor, so if you can manage it, get another client. You wouldn't be the first who gets out of business as fast as getting in business because of the fact that their initial client goes out of busines, ends the contract etc. and they never paid attention to getting new clients.

Friday, April 16, 2004 2:20 PM by Frans Bouma

# re: Going Independent Finally

Good going Paul. I was surprised you hadn't done it sooner. I also would like to reiterate what Frans said about a good accountant. A good one will cost you a few $ but will save you even more.

-Mathew Nolton

Friday, April 16, 2004 2:59 PM by Mathew Nolton

# re: Going Independent Finally

Good news. I wish you all the best. I have my own software company for over 14 years now and I don't regret it. I hope, you'll be able to keep up the good work on WilsonOrMapper!

Friday, April 16, 2004 3:04 PM by René van den Berg

# re: Going Independent Finally

Take care.

IRS has strong rules for Indepent Contract vs. Employer.

It's better for you to have more that one client to be corp., otherwise you will be under hidden employment.

Friday, April 16, 2004 3:28 PM by AT

# re: Going Independent Finally

Great move Paul! I hope you will let us know from time to time how things are going. BTW, why an S-Corp and not an LLC?

Friday, April 16, 2004 3:30 PM by Philipp

# RE: Going Independent Finally

Congrats! I can't wait for the day when I can make the same move!

Friday, April 16, 2004 3:58 PM by Steve

# re: Going Independent Finally

Congrats, Paul. When I lived in Atlanta I enjoyed the heck out of riding Marta everyday to from Buckhead to Five Points station downtown. But hey, it still doesn't beat working for yourself. There's nothing like coding out of your home office!

Friday, April 16, 2004 5:00 PM by Dave Burke

# re: Going Independent Finally

Congrats, Paul!

Friday, April 16, 2004 6:39 PM by Chris Frazier

# re: Going Independent Finally

Why an S-Corp? That's what my CPA and several other independent friends all recommended. It sounded like it had some serious tax advantages, although a little more overhead, but that's the CPA's job.

Friday, April 16, 2004 8:29 PM by Paul Wilson

# re: Going Independent Finally

Congrats too Paul. I went "independent" back in 1987, so I know what you mean. I too immediately thought LLC as I've been advised against S-corp in the past. Curious why the specific benefits are to you on S-corp vs. LLC.

Saturday, April 17, 2004 2:33 AM by Mike Schinkel

# re: Going Independent Finally

And congratulations once again. A lot of success and fun to you on your new course!

Sunday, April 18, 2004 5:15 PM by Alex Thissen

# re: Going Independent Finally

Good to hear Paul, with the amount of work you shared with us you certainly deserve it!

Tuesday, April 20, 2004 1:28 AM by Paul Gielens

# re: Going Independent Finally

Congrats - it's almost like being set free!

Wednesday, April 21, 2004 3:44 AM by David Yack

# re: Going Independent Finally

Congratulations! I hope to do the same someday...

Friday, April 30, 2004 7:20 PM by Phil

# re: Going Independent Finally

What, no more Citrix!? After chatting with you at the Summit I had gotten to wondering what happened; glad to hear it is working out well for you. Congratulations on your bold step, I'm sure you won't be sorry!!

Tuesday, May 04, 2004 4:34 PM by Terri Morton

# re: Going Independent Finally

Question for you Paul and anyone else who has the knowledge. I like many of you have the dream of going independent soon. One of my main concerns is health insurance. If you work for yourself and don't have any employees under you, how/where do you get your health insurance? Regardless, it is expensive as heck, right? If anyone has any tips and can either post them here or email me at
rhino200 @comcast.net (no space), I'd appreciate it. thanks

Thursday, May 06, 2004 12:08 PM by Ryan

# re: Going Independent Finally

I'm getting my through my wife -- at least for now.

Thursday, May 06, 2004 1:50 PM by Paul Wilson

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