The Nuts and Bolts of Launching a Career in Freelancing or Consulting

The most important thing to consider is the purpose of freelancing/consulting. Are you looking to fill some free time? Do you want to earn extra money? Are you looking to work for yourself? Want to test the waters in a new career? These are all questions central to the issue of income expectation. Decide whether you will freelance/consult on the side, as a part-time position, or as a full-time move. It's wise not to quit your full-time position until you've been consulting on the side for a few years and have a good sense of the flow of your intended business.