Taking on 2nd Job/Moonlighting

[SDNewbie]

Afternoon!

Here's my situation. I work for the government 7am-4pm daily and have benefits and pay that are too good to give up in this economy. I'd like to sharpen my techinical pencil more than I am currently. How do I land myself some part time work in a different field than I am in? Currently I'm doing transportation design but I'd really like to get some experience in lightframe/residential engineering. I've been interested in this since getting my Master's/Bachelor's in structural engineering.

Do I cold contact small firms in my area?
If I cold contact, do I mention I'm only interested in part time/after hours work?
Do I volunteer my time pro bono?

Thanks

 

[MikeHalloran]

1. Yes.
2. Yes, very early in the conversation. Some outfits just need a fractional person to help out, and don't have enough extra work to justify an entire person.
3. No. Pro Bono work is for $400 an hour lawyers.
4. If the response to your query is negative, ask for referrals to friends or competitors who might need your services.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[SDNewbie]

Thanks Mike. Is an email or phone call more appropriate?

 

[MikeHalloran]

A phone call to a busy office will probably get you to a machine.
Don't leave a message. Instead, show up after hours or an Saturday, in person.

Email may or may not work.
It will work better if it's short and addressed to the hiring manager.

LinkedIn might work. It's probably worth a shot. At least it may help you identify who is the actual hiring manager. It won't produce results fast.

Or, network the old fashioned way. Call your friends. Call their friends. etc.







Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[kingnero]

another vote for a saterday visit. You do have to call in advance in order to let them know you are interesting in meeting with the manager or person in charge.
Talking in person often yields much better results than any other (digital) way of communicating.
It has worked for me, and as I'm also moonlighting (while building up clients in order to start full-time), I only take work from (small) firms that contact(ed) me personally or were referred to me by people I trust. I don't take up work from e-mails or phone calls without meeting in person.

 

[wbd]

I would seek out smaller firms. Are you a PE?
My story on this:
I started out over 8 years doing work on the side after hours from my full time job. This helped pay for a good portion of my children's college education costs. I did set myself up as a LLC and then I eventually have gone to work for the small firm that I did most of the work for. I now work out of my home, set my own hours and am project oriented. Worked for me!

 

[ntweisen]

I recommend using all available resouces on the Internet. As others have said, use LinkedIn to your advantage. Create your own personal website (with a contact form) to help market yourself and your skills. You could also look into freelancing websites like oDesk or Elance to help get your foot in the door with a company.

http://excelspreadsheetshelp.blogspot.com

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http://scripting4v5.com

 

[MrHershey]

Don't know how it works for government, but make sure you check your work policies too. Many firms, for instance, strictly prohibit side gigs and will fire you if they find out.

 

[trainguy]

If you go ahead, please make sure you understand and address professional liability insurance. In Quebec (Canada) where I live & work, I need to be covered when a claim is made. This could mean lots of long term coverage.

That's the reason I am back to working for an employer, after approx. 4 years of consulting in the late 1990's.

tg