The thread rpeden references is a really sound way to implementing this plan.
Sometimes it's about the value you deliver. I'll never forget walking into a pharmaceutical and them telling me they were loosing a million pounds a week because they couldn't get their compliance documentation out of the door. They had been looking for a solution for months and been unable to find it.
I won't repeat what patio11 and others always say here, but if you are a freelancer and charge hourly, I would encourage you try and follow their advice and see how it goes. I have, and it's been wonderfully successful!
simple is a relative construct, I've experienced project you could consider simple getting good money either because:
1. the client want to pay for the project and offset the risk of it to you (read as you make a few extra night if things go not exactly as initially planned)
2. the company tried things but didn't succeed, hence looking for outside help
3. you know the people making the decision and those will definitely not go on upwork.com to get cheap labor for the same reason no one ever question going to Oracle or IBM. Those people have the wallet and simply want result with your track record
If someone pays you 250k for a simple project. Either you got a REALLY good deal or the project is complex and it will require you to hire people. On the latter it's not about solo anymore.
> You do not want to be some charge me by the hour consultant where they can just find someone cheaper, they will start to think of you like that, and will find someone else.
I can make the same argument about hiring someone else who charges less per week or full project. Simple.
The amount you get payed is highly dependable on the client. For most freelancers, charging for a week is a terrible mistake unless you've a proven track record and some reputation.
I'm assuming the vast majority of freelancer are software developers. The location has a major impact on how much you get payed. If you live in San Fran you can charge a lot because that place is terribly expensive. Don't forget Europe has good developers fluent in English. You'll face competition worldwide.
Also, it's easier to hire someone by the hour. The client can quickly see if you work great together and even give you bigger projects. It takes some time to build reputation and trust with clients.
> You do not have overcharge or be dishonest about it. From a moral point of view, hourly is fair.