I'm losing my mind at work, thking about becoming a contractor to help bootstrap my startup.<p>I'm thinking of pumping out some Django/Twitter bootstrap sites for some local businesses. What should I know before I start? What books cover the details? What tips should more people know? How do I handle my finances myself?
Get a 50% deposit before you begin work. That 50% should be enough that you won't be completely screwed if they never wrap up the project.<p>If your goal is really to bootstrap your startup, your best bet is probably to hang on to the day job as long as possible - if only for the predictability of income.
-Taxes.<p>-Don't try to do everything yourself at first, if you can out source it for a nominal fee, do it. Focus on your circle of competence.<p>-Get a written contract. Always. No matter what. Not kidding.