z_fi t1_jb7ihpk wrote
I’m on a career break, but I was as of December running the AI division of a consulting company.
I will say that finding part time or short term work is very hard. Longer term contract work is relatively easy.
most companies are struggling with the basics - data engineering, data analytics… maybe data science, but with data science you have to be able to talk to the c-suite well and without an mba the lingo is a little hard.
Machine learning projects often require a lot more time to deliver (beyond a proof of concept, and pocs don’t make money) and generally a team rather than an individual, and wayy more stakeholder support than you can muster
Usually ML projects require a lot of data which often puts you into a larger sized business which makes it very difficult to navigate as a freelancer…. You probably need to be in their system when it comes to invoicing and such and so you need to have your ducks in a row where most freelancers don’t. Freelancers, in general, succeed with smaller businesses.
Ignore anyone suggesting upwork.
One avenue I’d recommend is having an honest conversation with consulting company recruiters about what you’re looking for. Stay 1099 or do corp 2 corp. they’ll want you to come on as w2 but be a firm no. Generally these recruiters are looking for easy money and so are you. It’s definitely possible to make a meaningful business relationships here though at your level of seniority you might now know how to play the game at first
murrdpirate t1_jb7n8ls wrote
As someone who's done just a bit of freelance work on Upwork, and a ton of client work, what don't you like about Upwork?
deephugs t1_jb7vqn2 wrote
Having done ML consulting work through Upwork, my experience is the rate on Upwork is really low compared to what you can get through networks, especially remote Bay Area work. Most Upwork seems to be short timelines, small payouts, and competing against low cost international talent. Any tips for Upwork you can suggest?
murrdpirate t1_jb7xg74 wrote
Yeah I think the issues you mention are probably pretty true. As a client, I'm often restricted to using US freelancers, so my experience may not be typical. But I have often found that experts are generally worth their higher rates.
Psychological-Ear896 t1_jbmbse3 wrote
why a firm no to w2? what's the key difference other than 'who pays my medicare and withholding my tax"
z_fi t1_jc06htn wrote
The key difference is a non compete or other clause that prevents you from working multiple contracts.
with a 1099 you are independent
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments