Feeling the need to spread your career wings this year? Or, maybe you’ve got personal growth or financial goals you want to hit in 2017? For many of us, becoming an independent contractor or taking on 1099 work isn’t something that automatically comes to mind. Maybe it should. Read on for reasons why you might want to give it a go on your own full-time or even part-time, while you continue to work at your regular 9 to 5 job.

Flexibility ~

1. You have more control over the number and timing of hours you work in a given time period, project or contract
2. You can work from home, and/or work in the employer’s office if they’re local.
3. You can choose the type of work. Except for the reality of needing to meet a minimum income, there’s nothing forcing you to take an assignment you’re not interested in.
4. You’re able to choose or accept a job based on whether you enjoy the company or people you’ll be working with.
5. The company that hires you also has flexibility in how many hours they commit to. They don’t need to carry FTEs (full-time equivalents) and associated benefits on the books. This makes it easier for the company to adjust and react to their changing business needs and financial picture. These are great selling points for you to remind a potential employer of as they consider whether to bring you in as a 1099 worker.

Opportunity ~

1. Working for various companies, with different levels of people, and using an array of tools, systems and apps allows you to learn new technical and people skills.
2. You’re able to broaden your professional network which allows for greater career opportunities later on.

Variety ~

1. You can work for companies in a range of market segments or industries.
2. The variety of projects available to work on is greater than it would be if you were simply part of a functional team working for a single company.

Time ~

1. As long as you’re making enough to cover living expenses, being an independent contractor allows you time to search for the perfect fit and be choosy when it comes to new permanent job possibilities.
2. When you’re an independent contractor you’re in control of the time you put into the job. You can choose to scale back on your hours in order to invest in yourself, your family or other personal goals. Or, if sufficient demand for your services exists and you decide you want to up your income, then you can increase the number of hours you work — it’s your choice.

Enjoyment ~

Why not get paid for doing that one something you truly enjoy? Zero in on the kind of work you love and are good at, and narrow your contract work to doing just that. Whether it’s coding, consulting, writing, designing, data analysis, communications or anything else, if you love your work, it shines. And that makes for satisfied clients and a happy you.

There are a lot of good reasons to make 2017 the year to try on that independent contractor hat you’ve been thinking about. Whether it’s something you decide to dive into full time, or try out part time for extra income instead, it can be a rewarding way to grow your career.

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