Some scientists are leaving the profession, and fewer students today are heading towards careers in the science fields, due to a strong desire for work-life balance and the perception associated with science careers of wearing a white lab coat and either teaching, researching or working in a lab. The stigma associated with careers in science is one of long hours, limited interaction with others unless you enter academia, and an image of being isolated in a lab lit with fluorescent light bulbs.



While it's smart that students today are thinking ahead about their life goals before making a selection about what field to major in, and courageous of professionals to make a move to another industry to achieve greater work-life balance, many wonderful opportunities exist that could meet these modern demands while still allowing you to utilize your knowledge, education and passion for science. Independent consultants working in many areas of science are emerging as companies are seeking ways to more effectively leverage talent resources and maintain a more agile workforce by using contractors in addition to traditional, ?permanent,? employees. More and more corporations are enlisting the help of outside freelancers and independent consultants on a project basis lasting anywhere from six months to two years.

No matter what field of science you're in: chemistry, forensics, natural resource management, biology; there is an opportunity for you to capitalize on your unique knowledge and skill set to provide services to companies on a consulting basis. Not only will you be paid to offer your expertise, but you'll have the advantage of having complete control over where, when, how and with whom you work. You won't be isolated in a lab, and you'll have the privilege of social interaction with people working in a variety of industries at a variety of levels, from CEO's to other professionals.

As an independent consultant, you'll be able to charge a higher hourly rate, as you're responsible for your own overhead as a solo business. You may be able to make significantly more money than you would in a traditional career, especially after you've been doing it for awhile and your name gains recognition. You'll have the freedom to take a vacation whenever you see fit, and if you don't like a particular job, you'll only have to deal with it for a short period of time before moving onto the next project. You may work on a consultative basis for a number of clients simultaneously, or take on longer term ?full time? work contracts where you are operating side by side with the regular employees. While your clients are still your boss, and ultimately you want to keep them happy so they use your services again and refer you to others, you're generally in charge of yourself and can negotiate your own hours and terms of work.

As a freelancer, you will be paid on a 1099 basis, and will be responsible for paying your own taxes and getting your own health insurance. You should check with an accountant or attorney to find out what specific steps you should take to form your business. An alternative to this is to work with a back office support organization, such as MBO Partners, which handles invoicing and collections for small businesses and solo consultants, and eliminates the need to set up a business entity. They act as an employer of record, so they would provide you with a W-2 at the end of the year, and you wouldn't have to worry about filing quarterly taxes. Through a company like this, you would also have access to group health insurance benefits and retirement savings plans. It's certainly an option to consider if you want to focus solely on providing your expertise and not have to worry about the back-office accounting and other functions of running a business.

If you're interested in pursuing a freelance career in the sciences, start by giving yourself an hour or two of uninterrupted time to analyze your experience and knowledge. Make a list of topics you know that you could teach others about. Now, how does that relate to how a company might operate? Do you know something that could make them more efficient, or their employees safer? Does it relate to emerging trends? Can you show them a new way of doing something? Talk to people you know; friends, acquaintances, business owners, former employers, and get a consensus from others of how they think your skills might benefit other companies. Then pick a few areas that are your strongest and have the most market potential.

Your next step is to gain some exposure. Write a few articles related to your expertise and the types of services you want to offer. Send them off to a few companies you'd like to work with along with a business card or brochure. Respond to job postings by proposing you operate as an independent contractor. Join your local Chamber of Commerce and get set up with a website. Start marketing yourself and your services on the web, through discussion boards and forums. Try to identify some groups that are discussing the very types of problems that you can solve, and offer your expertise.

Once you get a few clients, the rest comes easy. Continue to network, give your best to every project, and word-of-mouth marketing will grow your business!