Value assessment: How quickly can you get another job offer?

I have a high level security clearance, so when I post my resume on ClearanceJobs.com, I get lots of inbound recruiter e-mails.

I'm not trying to brag, but that's one sign I am valuable in the cleared government contracting industry.

However, when I submit the same resume to jobs that don't require a clearance, I almost never hear back.

It's clear that my market value is mostly due to the security clearance, and not my mediocre data analysis skills.

If you can easily get a recruiter to call you or get another job, that's a clear sign you have enough market value to go 1099. Even the fact that you already work for a company in the industry is a sign that you could go 1099 (assuming your clients think you're doing good work).

The ease at which you can get another job offer is a good, external data point to determine your readiness.

It's an imperfect indicator. Most people have to do a little hustling to get another good job. Just because you don't have companies coming to you doesn't mean you're not ready.

But if say, you are confident you could get a few job offers that pay well with about 3-6 six months of effort, you can go 1099.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.