Are you suited to working solo?

Find out if soloism is for you through this snappy little quiz.  A word of caution: remember that no test can provide you with a guarantee of success or failure; only you can decide whether the step is right for you given your current situation.

Ready to go? Start your engines!

Instructions: Answer each question in each section on a 1 to 5 point scale, where 1 means you strongly disagree with the statement; 2 means you disagree with the statement; 3 means that you are neutral or have no opinion; 4 means that you agree with the statement; and 5 means you strongly agree with the statement.



Part I: Workstyle

1

2

3

4

5

1.

I enjoy working on multiple projects.

2.

I mostly prefer working by myself rather than in groups.

3.

I am a self-starter and take initiative in completing projects.

4.

I prefer setting my own hours and working on my schedule and being in charge of myself and my work.

5.

I establish daily, weekly, and monthly goals that I regularly meet.


Part II: Technical Expertise


1


2


3


4


5

1.

I have several (5+) years of experience in my field.

2.

I have current or cutting-edge skills.

3.

I have the degrees/certifications needed in my field.

4.

I am always learning new skills and expertise.

5.

I have skills and expertise that are in high demand.


Part III: Creativity Issues


1


2


3


4


5

1.

I am a problem-solver, ready to tackle the hard issues.

2.

I enjoy coming up with ideas to solve tough problems.

3.

I always am on the lookout for new ways to do things.

4.

If I don't know the answer, I know where to look to find it.

5.

I can teach my methods to others and share them.


Part IV: Personal Issues


1


2


3


4


5

1.

I am a good communicator and enjoy talking with people.

2.

I have no problem separating work from the rest of my life.

3.

I am a self-promoter and enjoy marketing and sales.

4.

I am disciplined enough to work in an environment with no formal structure.

5.

I find it fairly easy to handle rejection and am confident in my abilities.


Part V: Financial Issues


1


2


3


4


5

1.

I can manage getting paid on a project basis, rather than a steady salary.

2.

I do not need to have insurance or medical benefits or can handle them
without an employer contribution.

3.

I have the financial resources to cover expenses for the first few years.

4.

I don't have a strong need for job security - whatever that is these days.

5.

I am prepared to make financial sacrifices, if necessary.


Part VI: Accounting/Clerical Issues


1


2


3


4


5

1.

I don't need a support staff to function effectively and efficiently.

2.

I can manage tracking my time, billing, tax, and accounting procedures.

3.

I am prepared to budget money for training and educational experiences.

4.

I am prepared to budget money for professional associations and meetings.

5.

I am computer literate and Web-savvy.


Part VII: Professional Issues


1


2


3


4


5

1.

I am well known or well connected in my profession.

2.

I have a strong network of contacts in my field.

3.

I am involved in civic or community associations.

4.

I have an excellent set of references.

5.

I have a solid portfolio of work and job correspondence material.


Your score is:

 

Scoring

Under 70 points: Your current self-evaluation shows that you should probably stick to your full-time job.

71-139 points: You have potential, but might be better off doing consulting on a part-time basis, while still working regularly.

More than 140 points: You have a strong tendency toward many of the skills necessary to succeed as a free agent.




© Quintessential Careers 1996-2001. Reproduced with permission. The original quiz can be found at www.quintcareers.com/test.html

Dr. Randall Hansen is currently Webmaster of Quintessential Careers, as well as publisher of its electronic newsletter, QuintZine. He writes a biweekly career advice column under the name, The Career Doctor. He is also a tenured, associate professor of marketing in the School of Business Administration at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. He is a published career expert -- and has been for the last ten years. He is co-author, with Katharine Hansen, of Dynamic Cover Letters. And he has been an employer and consultant dealing with hiring and firing decisions for the past fifteen years. He can be reached at randall@quintcareers.com.

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