I used to be an independent consultant and it was great! I did not do a lot of marketing because I had enough work to keep me busy. I was also not the primary bread-winner in my family and I had a second part-time job in the AF Reserve. However, after September 11, 2001, I had trouble getting clients. The current Reserve policy is that all Reservists will deploy 2 out of every 5 years. This does not include the ramp up and ramp down time, so basically 3 out of every 5 years. I couldn't even get any local government offices as clients-no one wanted a primary consultant who was a Reservist. I can't say I blame them.

I had to take a full time job after that. I have also left the Reserves, as there is just no way to have gainful employment and deploy 3 out of every 5 years. That ridiculous policy also would have not allowed me to be with my family and see my children grow up! I am the primary bread-winner in my family now, so employer-sponsored benefits are necessary. Maybe some day I can go back to that.......