Pros
-- Flexibility and freedom-work when you want, where you want, and how you want
-- Opportunity to check out different work environments
-- Opportunity for overtime pay
-- Good way to keep skills current
-- Agencies offer up-to-date training opportunities

Cons
-- Uncertainty about next paycheck
-- Lack of benefits (unless you work a certain number of hours for an agency)
-- Not good for people who crave stability and routine

Resources for Free Agents:

Thinking about hanging out your own shingle? Here are some sites that will help you learn all you need to know before making the leap.

EWork.com. Project matching, tools and training, as well as payroll and benefit services can be found on this comprehensive site.

FreeAgent.com. Find projects; post your e-portfolio; and sign up for Free Agent services and benefits such as collections, invoicing, and health insurance.

Guru.com: Search a database of projects, sign up for solo business services (insurance, billing paying, office equipment), and read about how others manage their solo careers.

National Technical Services Association. On the NTSA Web site, you can search for companies that place contractors in science-related projects.

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