Most of my career, over 95%, was as a self-employed person.

The formula is quite simple:

I also have a lot of experience on the other side of the equation, hiring contractors. I can tell you, for a fact, it is nearly impossible to find honest technical contractors who don't lie and fake their resume and references. In some countries, it is almost like resume cheating is the subculture norm.

I've even tried hiring "by the job" to do simple tasks like program some small code in PHP or HTML; and it is nearly impossible to get someone who can do a 1 hour job in less than three days or even weeks, LOL.

I've read so many "super duper" resumes, experts in this and that; but when I ask to just demonstrate some simple coding skills, the candidate falls apart with excuse after excuse.

So, to be a great contractor and make money is easy; if you are honest, skillful and all the things mentioned above.

Too many people are looking for shortcuts, they will lie and cheat and fake their skills on their resume and they struggle all their career. The people who just do the work, learn the skills, become experts, real experts, not fake ones; find that contracting is very easy (and rewarding!) and the money will flow and you will have a good life.

It's easy... their are no shortcuts, only hard work, honesty and integrity.

Without honor, all is lost.