Great post. Most consultants seem to have a creation myth where they woke up one morning and suddenly made 120% of their income for 70% of the work after a friend tossed them a contract over a rainbow. I suspect its selective memory, and it's nice to see some folks own and celebrate the hustle.
Thanks for writing a great piece for us common folk, Jonathan! I've definitely tried the bottoms up job application approach and people were not pleased with me asking to make roles contract/interim. Curious how you found alignment on shorter term objectives? Was it luck or was it how you interviewed?
Sure thing, Jori! I'm sorry to hear that the pitch hasn't been well received. The only thing I can say is that it's important to frame things around the value created for their employer: for instance, highlighting how you're de-risking the equation for them, by making sure the match is a good fit. But it definitely depends on the company—at smaller companies, it's often because they don't have the time/resources to swap people in and out; at large companies, it can just be entrenched existing systems.
All of that said... luck & fortunate timing always play a bigger role than we'd like to admit! But I've certainly done a lot of pitching, so there is some degree of improving the probability of success through sheer brute force of the number of attempts 😅
This is so...comforting. I'm definitely on the same path as you. Elena can be a terrifying role model but having aspirants like you really helps bring thing down to earth
I'm tempted to now write an article how to land an interim if you're neither elena nor jonathan :D
Okay it's been 22 hours. Where is it Leah?!
I'm getting bullied here. Elena or Jonathan, please interfere!
*Reviews the facts of the case* Nope, looks like they’re well within their rights.
Write the article! We all want to read it!
(Not the “or Jonathan” part… but please do share your journey to independent work!)
plus 1
Great post. Most consultants seem to have a creation myth where they woke up one morning and suddenly made 120% of their income for 70% of the work after a friend tossed them a contract over a rainbow. I suspect its selective memory, and it's nice to see some folks own and celebrate the hustle.
Haha, thanks, Lisa. It's definitely a journey! To quote my favorite movie: "Anyone who says differently is selling something."
i love how "down to earth" this guide is. Thanks Jonathan! Great content 🔥
Jonathan is the best... :)
Aw, thanks, you two! Grateful to be able to learn from both of you.
Thanks for writing a great piece for us common folk, Jonathan! I've definitely tried the bottoms up job application approach and people were not pleased with me asking to make roles contract/interim. Curious how you found alignment on shorter term objectives? Was it luck or was it how you interviewed?
Sure thing, Jori! I'm sorry to hear that the pitch hasn't been well received. The only thing I can say is that it's important to frame things around the value created for their employer: for instance, highlighting how you're de-risking the equation for them, by making sure the match is a good fit. But it definitely depends on the company—at smaller companies, it's often because they don't have the time/resources to swap people in and out; at large companies, it can just be entrenched existing systems.
All of that said... luck & fortunate timing always play a bigger role than we'd like to admit! But I've certainly done a lot of pitching, so there is some degree of improving the probability of success through sheer brute force of the number of attempts 😅
Appreciate the thoughtful reply Jonathan, keep the good tips coming :)
Thank you for this post, Jonathan. It fits my current needs and gave me good ideas on how to move forward with my next career steps.
Excellent! So glad to hear that, Jenda. Wishing you the best as you explore down this path!
Thanks, Jonathan.
Hey thanks for the link to my post! 🙏
Thanks for writing it! You're an OG on this path, so I'm grateful for your willingness to shine a light for others exploring it!
This is so...comforting. I'm definitely on the same path as you. Elena can be a terrifying role model but having aspirants like you really helps bring thing down to earth
Haha, thanks, Misho! I agree. I doubt we'll ever catch up with her, but we can encourage each other along the way.