"I don't know if I could ever go back to a normal job."
Name: Diana M. Hanson, 36
Title: Haystack Resources
Location: Meridian, Idaho
Years as an Independent Contractor: 1
1. What kind of independent contractor/freelancer are you?
I am a freelance paralegal. I do contract work for attorneys. My specialty is intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights), however, I offer litigation support and general legal support as well. I also do some technical writing and have been published recently in Venture magazine.
2. What (or who) pushed you to go solo?
The company I was working for as a paralegal merged with another company and subsequently closed its doors. I had considered going out on my own for quite some time, and I took the company closure as the opportunity to do it. From a philosophical standpoint, I went out on my own mainly because I was working too hard for other people. I thought I could work less and make more on my own, doing the kind of work I enjoyed.
3. At what point did you realize that you could actually make a living on your own?
I had high hopes starting out, of course, but I think I knew I could make it when I got my first response from a mailing I sent out. It let me know that there was indeed a need for someone like me in this area.
4. What's the biggest mistake you've made to date?
Like anything else, you learn as you go. I would say that I wasted some money in the beginning on an advertisement in a local publication, which got no results.
5. Tell us about your most memorable contract.
My most memorable contract was a recent hearing I assisted on. I was able to participate in the preparation process and three days of hearings. I learned so much about how the process really works. Now I know why they make movies about this stuff. All of the interactions between the parties, the undercurrent of tension -- it was fascinating.
6. What has working solo meant to you personally?
I have a tremendous amount of freedom now. I make more and work less. I choose my own hours. Today, for example, I got to go to a matinee with my daughter and my husband, who is self-employed as well.
7. Any advice for fellow soloists?
Be smart about it. Decide what you want out of it and what you don't. Be careful about spending money -- there are a lot of things you can do without until later, when you are more stable. There are a lot of people out there who are more than willing to take your hard-earned money, so proceed slowly and cautiously. A good accountant is worth every penny. The business of doing business will take up a third of your time, so be prepared. I'd better stop now.…
