Guessing is not a strategy: How to build decision velocity with AI and real-time data
June 10, 2026 | Live Webinar
Consultant Outlook Bright
Bob Weinstein is a journalist who covers technology, project management, the workplace and career development.
Smart and seasoned independent contractors (or consultants) do well in any economy largely because they enjoy hustling. It’s that entrepreneurial spirit that drives them.
In an uncertain market, especially, independent contractors tend to do exceedingly well because companies are reluctant to beef up their payrolls and make permanent full-time hiring commitments.
If the skeptical pundits are right that the economy is heading into a recession or becoming markedly uncertain, the growing army of independent contractors is looking at good times. We’re talking about top dollar for their services and more work than they can handle.
According to PayScale.com, project managers and program managers are at the top of the independent contractor demand heap. The website has created a business model that provides potential employees with statistics that help them negotiate the best deal. PayScale’s statisticians liken it to the Kelley Blue Book for all jobs--not only IT jobs, but jobs for health care workers, skilled artisans, air traffic controllers and marketing executives, to name a few.
Annual salaries or hourly pay for jobs is determined by several variables, including skills, industry, education and size/location of the company. PayScale’s model works this way: Job seekers or employees fill out a form listing their …
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