I disagree. You don’t need uniqueness to succeed. There are plenty of shops all in the exact same niche with the same services at the same quality for the same prices, and they’re all generally successful. Sure, there will always be nuances, but not enough to deserve recognition. We market ourselves as the best in our spaces, but few of us actually believe that.

I’m also a web developer/manager and have done occasional client work for the past 2 1/2 years. After getting laid off in June, it’s been a blessing to have client work to help slow the financial bleed while I continue to look for a new job.

But to be completely honest, it’s not easy to find enough work to do it full-time, especially in the beginning. And now that I’m unemployed, I feel guilty building my company when I should be blasting my resume and looking for steady income.

I recommend doing it while you’re employed. Build up your clientele and your reputation as a side gig until you feel confident enough to go self-employed full-time.