I’ve been self employed for over 25 years as an ICT professional, writing software, troubleshooting, training, doing research, data analysis, designing databases, reverse engineering code, writing reports, helping startups, installing satellite communications, rescuing ransomware victims, building Arctic capable GPS trackers, doing events, public speaking, voice overs and plenty more.

It’s a tough gig with lots of ups and downs. You have to be extremely self motivated and persistent. Work comes and goes. Sometimes you’re so busy that there’s not enough hours in the day, other times you have nothing coming in for weeks, months or even years. If you have a holiday, everything costs twice as much because you’re spending money while not earning any, and if you’re not earning enough, there’s no holiday pay, sick leave or retirement funds.

I’ve seen some interesting and scary software in production and met and worked with an utterly amazing variety of humanity.

It’s not for everyone and if you asked me today if I’m better off mentally, physically and financially as a result of this, I’d be hard pressed to give you an answer.