Go Independent
How the readiness assessment works
For experienced professionals considering contract, consulting or freelance work. You get a measured view of your readiness, a roadmap built from it and guidance for the country you plan to work in.
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- 1Take the assessment
- 2Get your score and roadmap
- 3Work through the plan
1Step 1 of 3
Take the assessment
Answer 23 questions across 6 sections. They are written to give an honest picture of where you stand, including the gaps.
- Professional background (5 questions)
- Financial readiness (5 questions)
- LinkedIn presence (4 questions)
- CV and portfolio (3 questions)
- Business setup (3 questions)
- Mindset and market (3 questions)
Your answers are saved as you finish each section.
Sample question
How much financial runway do you have if you stopped earning tomorrow?
Count savings, not credit. Your answer affects your readiness score.
Less than 1 month
High pressure situation
1–3 months
Tight but possible
3–6 months
A reasonable buffer
6–12 months
Good position to make the move
2Step 2 of 3
Get your score and roadmap
Your answers are weighted across 8 categories to give an overall readiness score from 0 to 100 and a readiness tier. The weights are shown here in full.
On Professional and Premium, you also get a 30-day and 90-day action plan written for your profile and target country.
- 20%
Professional experience
Years of experience and seniority. This is the foundation of your market value as an independent.
- 18%
Financial readiness
Runway, emergency fund, knowledge of day rates and pension planning as a self-employed professional.
- 15%
Technical skills
Breadth of relevant skills. Specialists with multiple in-demand skills command higher rates.
- 12%
LinkedIn presence
Network size, profile strength, recommendations and content engagement. This is where inbound work comes from.
- 10%
CV and portfolio
A contractor CV is different from a permanent one. Achievements-led, 2 pages, skills matrix.
- 10%
Business setup
A limited company or equivalent, a business bank account and an understanding of your tax obligations.
- 8%
Risk tolerance
How comfortable you are with uneven income and gaps between contracts.
- 7%
Market readiness
Your network in the target market, knowledge of current rates and relationships with recruiters or hiring managers.
Readiness tiers
- Explorer0 to 34
You're at an early stage. The roadmap focuses on building financial foundations, updating your CV and understanding your target market before you make the move.
- Builder35 to 59
Good progress across several areas. The roadmap identifies your key gaps and gives targeted actions to close them, usually in your CV, LinkedIn profile or business setup.
- Launcher60 to 79
You're nearly ready. A few targeted actions will close the remaining gaps. The roadmap focuses on execution: finding your first client, setting up your company and going live.
- Ready to Go80 to 100
You have the foundations in place. The roadmap focuses on pricing, how you will find clients and the timing of your move.
Sample 30-day plan
Rewrite your CV in contractor format: achievements first, two pages at most
Sharpen your LinkedIn headline and About section
Research day rates for your role and target market
Open a business bank account and register your company
3Step 3 of 3
Work through the plan
Each week has a short list of specific, prioritised tasks, so you always know what to do next.
- Country-specific tax and legal guidance
- Contractor CV and LinkedIn templates
- Market rate research for your role
- SoloShift CoWork for questions along the way
- Progress tracking as you complete actions
Find out where you stand
The assessment is free and takes about five minutes. No card needed.