freelance consultant

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I would like to get a Ph.D. in a technical field like computer science and become an independent consultant because a) I like to make good money b) I hate having a boss c) I hate corporate culture and office politics d) I want control over my schedule e) I don't want to work 80 hours a week. With all that said, does anyone here know anyone who has done something of the sort? Any recommendations/suggestions for how to be successful at this?

I'm a computer programmer and I can tell you the money isnt that fantastic at the start. I do lots of freelance work, but its one of those things that need to snowball. You start off struggling, then if you do good work for your few clients they will spread your name, then you keep building off those referrals.

But in the end that wasnt enough for me, was hardly enough to live on. Ended up snagging a 40h/week contract job that allowed me to do whatever I wanted on the side. Even still the money isnt fantastic. And I'm one of the 2 people from my course who actually ended up working in the field.

Now a PhD is different obviously, but I dont know of a single school in my country (other than military schools) that offer PhDs in computer science. But there is a lot of competition out there and a lot of off-shore contract workers willing to outbid you.

I hate to discourage you, as I love my field and the flexibility if offers... Just dont expect to walk into a 100k/year job after graduating. It takes time to build up to that, unless you come up with the next Facebook or Youtube.

I am curious, what kind of course was it? Did you complete a BS in computer science to become a programmer? Or are their easier ways to become one?