The secret consultant: your first steps to independence — Bitfield Consulting

Transitioning from employment to independent consulting requires deliberate planning while still employed. Set a specific Independence Day deadline, develop marketable skills on your employer's dime, and adopt a "secret consultant" mindset to understand how your work creates value. Start building side revenue before quitting, diversify your client base to reduce risk, and focus on timeless skills like problem-solving and communication alongside technical expertise. The key is treating yourself as a business even before officially going solo, which paradoxically makes you more valuable to your current employer while preparing for independence.