Agree with everything. Great write up. Thank you for that. I worked at a big firm for a bit and then went out on my own.

The flexibility of being self-employed and the inconsistency of cash flow is a big thing to get used to. I do not make ANY money in December (XMas break), March (Spring school break) and August (end of summer break). It took me a couple of years to understand and budget for that. On the plus side, I can work from the Bahamas, Whistler or anywhere and no one cares. And I do. My clients actually get a kick out of it when I skype them from a boat in the Bahamas or a chalet in Switzerland.

I am lucky my clients are all internet people so as long as I am available 24/7 and do good timely work they do not give a shit what I do or where I am.

p.s. Something I have found valuable is asking clients: do you have any particular concerns about this project? Or: In one sentence, what do you want to accomplish with this. If you come up with a solution to address those answers you are meeting the key elements for them.