Leverage removes roadblocks

by Dale Davidson March 18, 2026

During COVID, I interviewed with a company for a gig at DHS.

The program manager wanted to bring me on, but I mentioned that while I want to join, I have gotten used to working for myself and would really prefer to sub-contract/1099.

The program manager said of course they would like to, but you know, the government is slow on adding team members, blah blah blah so it'd be better if I could just join as a W2.

I held my ground and declined and hey, what do you know, a few weeks later they were able to add my company as a sub-contractor.

The truth is, primes don't really want 1099s or sub-contractors, at least most of the time.

To persuade them to bring you on, you need leverage.

Leverage in this case simply means they want/need you more than you/need them, and being willing to remind them of this.

You can get leverage by having other job/project offers, a health savings account, rare and valuable technical skills, and great client relationships.

Once you get leverage, all of a sudden those mysterious roadblocks to getting you on a sub-contract start disappearing.

So get some leverage.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.