TFS 337:  Breaking the Cycle of Indefinite Engagements

TFS 337: Breaking the Cycle of Indefinite Engagements

Author: Charles M Wood July 16, 2019 Duration: 45:25
Sponsors
  • Sentry– use the code “devchat” for two months free on Sentry’s small plan
  • CacheFly
Panel
  • Erik Dietrich
  • Reuven Lerner
Summary Erik and Rueven define indefinite engagements, warning against staff augmentation type of consulting and contracting gigs. They explain how this is not a good business strategy. Thinking of yourself as a business is the first step to breaking out of these types of engagements. Erik and Reuven give more advice for breaking away including having savings before breaking away, identifying what your best at, market testing and weaning your current client. The benefits and drawbacks of working shorter and more high powered gigs are considered. The episode ends with a discussion of the importance of maintaining good relationships and a good reputation.  Links Picks Erik Dietrich: Reuven Lerner:

Charles M Wood hosts The Freelancers' Show, a conversation built on the understanding that running your own business involves far more than just doing the work. Each episode digs into the real, often unspoken, challenges of independent life. You’ll hear practical discussions about finding and retaining clients, setting sustainable rates, and navigating the complexities of self-employment taxes and contracts. The focus extends beyond mere marketing tactics to include managing your time and energy, avoiding burnout, and creating a professional lifestyle that actually works for you. This podcast recognizes that continuous learning is non-negotiable, so topics often explore skill development and adapting to new industry trends. It’s a resource for anyone who wants to think more strategically about their freelance career, moving from just getting by to building something resilient and rewarding. Tune in for honest talk that balances the entrepreneurial excitement with the grounded advice needed to make it last.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Freelancers' Show
Podcast Episodes
TFS 365: Making vs Marketing – Where is Your Freelance Time Spent? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:43
JavaScript Remote Conf 2020May 13th to 15th - register now! The panelists discuss different business approaches for freelancing, and how moving from a model where most of your time is spent implementing for clients into…
TFS 364: Working From Home [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:40
JavaScript Remote Conf 2020May 13th to 15th - register now! Petra, Joel, and Charles talk about how to get started with and succeed at working from home. All three are veterans of working from home and explain the things…
TFS 363: What Do You Do in an Unexpected Downturn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:49
JavaScript Remote Conf 2020May 13th to 15th - register now! Petra starts us out talking about some of the clients she has that have needed to pause their work with her. The panel brainstorms on ideas that for dealing wit…
TFS 362: Healthcare Hacks with Scott Heiser [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:28
JavaScript Remote Conf 2020 May 13th to 15th - register now! Scott Heiser joins the panel to talk about healthcare hacks for freelancers. We start out joking about the COVID-19 quarantine situation. Healthcare and health…
TFS 361: Moving in and out of Freelancing with Will Bunker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:36
JavaScript Remote Conf 2020May 14th to 15th - register now! This week's guest of The Freelancers' Show, Will Bunker has had a long career in programming and has moved several times between freelancing and full time work.…
TFS 360: Time Tracking and Billing with Marc Summe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:53
JavaScript Remote Conf 2020May 14th to 15th - register now! Marc Summe and the freelancing panel discuss the ins and outs of tracking time and billing for your time. Time tracking seems deceptively simple, but it gets co…
TFS 359: Don’t Do Hourly Billing with Mike Volkin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:09
Mike Volkin joins the panel to discuss the pros and cons to hourly billing. The panel discusses their challenges with value based and fixed-price pricing and get recommendations from Mike and the rest of the panel. Panel…
TFS 358: Building Your Freelancing Pipeline with Podcasts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:39
This episode Brad, Chuck and Brooks go over what it looks like getting a podcast started for lead gen. everything from positioning strategy to tactics and hosting this is a great overview on podcasting basics. Panelists…