Many seasoned IT professionals find that working as an independent contractor can be a fantastic way to grow and enjoy a fulfilling career. It’s all about staying curious, constantly learning, and building a network of smart, helpful people. Derek Ashmore, a lifelong IT consultant, shared his insights on a recent episode of the First Person podcast, highlighting how independence in tech can be both rewarding and profitable.

The Joy of Lifelong Learning in Tech

Derek sees learning as a core part of his job. He explains that being a consultant means you need to keep acquiring new knowledge to stay relevant and to share insights with clients and partners. For him, learning isn’t just a task—it’s a way of life. He dedicates time to understanding new trends and technologies so he can pass that knowledge along to others. Derek believes that this ongoing learning keeps his work interesting and helps him grow professionally.

He admits that this approach may not suit everyone. Derek left traditional corporate roles because he didn’t enjoy the politics and constraints. Instead, he thrives as a contractor because it matches his personality. He says he gets bored easily and prefers working with different people and projects, always learning from those around him. Whether it’s mainframes, cloud computing, or artificial intelligence, Derek has moved through many tech areas, always seeking new challenges to keep his skills sharp.

The Importance of Self-Motivation and Reflection

Despite sounding confident, Derek stresses that continuous learning also involves admitting mistakes and learning from them. He shares that he’s always looking for ways to improve. For example, he caught the microservices trend early but realized they have limitations. He recognized that microservices aren’t suitable for every situation and learned that timing plays a big role in whether an idea will succeed. Although he wishes he had stuck with microservices longer, Derek takes this as a lesson that nothing is perfect and timing is everything.

This mindset helps him stay humble and focused on growth. He believes that every experience, whether successful or not, offers an opportunity to learn. Derek’s willingness to reflect on his choices and adapt has been key to his long-term success as an independent consultant. His approach is a reminder that even experts need to keep evolving and be open to new ideas and lessons.

Building a Strong Network as an Independent

One common concern about working alone is feeling isolated. Derek emphasizes that building a network is essential, even for independent consultants. His connections started when he worked with other freelancers during his corporate days. These relationships opened his eyes to the possibility of working independently and learning from others outside a traditional office environment.

Derek values collaboration and always looks for people who complement his skills. He’s quick to ask for help when needed, believing that offering help in return creates a supportive cycle. He sees networking as a two-way street—sharing knowledge and resources benefits everyone involved. Derek’s approach shows that independence doesn’t mean working alone; it’s about creating a community of learning and support that helps everyone thrive.

For those thinking about taking the leap into independent consulting, Derek’s story offers encouragement. It’s a path that requires curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. But it also provides the freedom to explore diverse projects and grow your skills continuously. Building a strong network is vital, and helping others along the way creates opportunities for mutual success. If you’re ready to embrace lifelong learning and independence, Derek’s experience proves it can lead to a rewarding and lucrative career in IT.

Inspired by

• https://www.computerworld.com/article/4034193/learning-for-a-living-how-to-succeed-as-an-it-consultant.html

Sources

• gmpg.org
• podigee.com
• podigee.com