In 2004 I went to work for a consulting firm because I like variety, challenges,

Question

In 2004 I went to work for a consulting firm because I like variety, challenges, working with new technologies, etc. However, I've been a developer for 25 years - and spent the majority of my career as a direct-hire (12 years) then as an independent consultant for another 3 years (ah the DotCom bubble!) for one firm. So my instincts are more like a good internal developer than a consultant.

My problem is what I call the "catch-22" of consulting. You go into consulting because you want to work at a lot of different engagements, but if you do a really good job your clients never want to let you go. And of course the salespeople are happy to keep you billing (and don

Explanation / Answer

The simplest solution I see is to be an independent contractor. Don't work for a contracting firm. That way, when you're ready to move on, you can simply say, "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid there just isn't room in my schedule for your project right now."

Keep in mind, though, that sometimes repeat customers are the best thing you can have, especially if business gets slow. Don't make them hate you, just push them off a little if you have to.

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