How I Built a Resilient Career as an Independent Consultant

Ever since I became an independent consultant in 2009, I've been intentional about building a resilient life. I knew the freedom of independence came with volatility—unpredictable clients, shifting markets, dry spells. As I wrote in Build on the rock for the storms are surely coming,

"If you live long enough, work long enough, or run a business long enough, you will face storms."

So how do you weather those storms—without panic, without selling your soul?

My answer: A layered approach to resilience. Year after year, I've worked to strengthen each of these layers. Here's what has worked for me.

# 1. Emergency Fund: The First Line of Defense

At the base of everything is a strong emergency fund. I’ve saved enough to cover at least 12 months of regular expenses. That one decision has changed how I respond to uncertainty.

When you have money in the bank:

• You're not forced to take every gig.
• You don’t have to tolerate toxic clients or soul-crushing deadlines.
• You can pause, reassess, and make decisions based on values—not desperation.

This buffer has let me work only three days a week for over a decade, choosing projects that energize me. That freedom wasn’t accidental—it was purchased with foresight.

# 2. Diversified Income: Multiple Streams, One Goal

While 80% of my active income still comes from tech consulting, I’ve deliberately added other revenue streams:

• Public speaking
• Tech due diligence for VCs
• Coaching and mentoring

More importantly, I’ve benefited from 20+ years of investing. Today, dividends and rental income cover over 60% of my annual expenses.

That gives me breathing room.

• If the market slows, I don’t panic.
• If a client churns, I don’t chase the next deal in fear.

Diversified income acts like a hedge—one stream falters, another holds steady. And life goes on.

# 3. Skills and Services: Built-in Flexibility

Resilience isn’t just about money. It’s also about what you can offer.

Over the years, I’ve built a portfolio of services:

• Fractional CTO
• Sales training for senior engineers
• Speaking engagements
• Executive coaching
• VC advisory work

These aren’t just ideas—I’ve delivered in all these areas and have references to show for it.

If tech consulting slows down, I can pivot. That optionality is a form of wealth.

# 4. Spending Discipline: A Resilience Multiplier

My expenses are intentionally low.

• We eat out once a week.
• We travel a few times a year—but plan it within a budget.
• I’ve driven the same car for 10 years.
• No loans. No lifestyle inflation.

My wife is even more frugal than I am—she needs convincing to buy more than two dresses at a time.

Because of that, dividends and rent cover the majority of our needs. I don’t stress over finances. I don’t need to juggle cash flow. Simplicity breeds clarity.

Frugality isn’t deprivation—it’s flexibility.

# 5. Focus on Growing Revenue

You can only cut expenses so much. But revenue? That has no ceiling.

When you’ve built a financial cushion and multiple income streams, you can take intelligent risks:

• Launch a product
• Sell a course
• Start a podcast or YouTube channel
• Take a sabbatical to learn or build

Your downside is protected. Your upside is open.

That’s when growth becomes fun.

# Resilience = Options

I’ve faced dry spells, lost deals, and taken financial hits. But thanks to this layered approach, I never had to scramble or compromise. I have options. I never become an option.

And that’s the point:

Resilience means you’re never cornered. You get to play the long game.

Freedom isn’t just about income. It’s about designing a life that can absorb shocks—and still move forward with intention.

That’s what I’ve tried to build. I hope this gives you a roadmap to start building yours.