Be cautious about broadcasting your 1099 status

A reader who recently went 1099 e-mailed me this interesting bit of experience he had when he told people he went 1099:

"Major lesson point - Some people may be happy to hear you have your own company and things are going good. Some people also might be pissed/jealous/aggressive when they find out. I am not sure it makes sense to tell the world what you are doing and how. I have never mentioned my rate or what I actually make - but most govies and contractors immediately assume I am worth "millions"... what? I am not. But that seems to be the attitude. The reverse of course is the "How are you doing what you are doing?" I try to share like you do and have been pointing people your way as a resource. It has been interesting quickly seeing how serious people are. I see in about 24hrs they decide "its too much work to do that". That's fine, but it does surprise me how many will not even try."

It's natural to be excited about your new status, and some people will be happy for you.

BUT, it's also possible that they will

• Think you make way more than you do
• Harbor weird feelings about it (insecurity, anger, jealousy, etc.)
• Think you cheated or something to get to where you are
• Reject any advice you have for them

Though I wrote the book on the topic, I try not to advertise my status as a small business owner/1099er unless someone explicitly asks.

Usually people that are genuinely curious will ask more and then I'll offer to meet up with them for coffee.

So do yourself and your colleagues a favor, don't overtly broadcast your 1099 status unless you have a good reason to (like networking).

And when you do, be humble about it. Don't let the other person feel inferior. Ask them for advice and their thoughts on career stuff.

Be the 1099 "gray man," don't get noticed until it suits your purposes.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.