Thinking of Freelancing?

With goodwill, some thought provoking advice for any would-be freelancers………..



1. Get yourself absolutely one hundred per-cent up to date with changes, modern testing methods and VOSA thinking

2. Can you ‘hit the ground running’ on day-one with that ATL equipment; the boss may not be able to show you how it works, that’s what he employs testers for! And you are there ‘cause the only other tester has gone sick without warning.

3. No one told you a quad was booked in today? You may have eight tests in seven hours to deal with including a horse box, motor home, 3050kg Landrover, and the rustiest van you’ve ever seen (and you can’t find the VIN plate). Oh, and a kit-car.

4. Where’s the decelerometer/printer paper/yellow chalk/replacement printer cartridge. Whatever you need whenever you need it, it won’t be there; Mr Sodde says so!

5. YOU and you alone may, without warning, need to test in Fallback or ET- do you know what to do, you may not have time to read-up. Believe me, subjective judgments on mechanical defects will be the least of your worries. And your next (appointed) test WILL be waiting.

6.……..and then, just when you thought your day of ET was finished, you’ll be performing catch-up, won’t you!

7. Hadn’t thought of Q.C. had you. Had you?

8. The A.E.s authorisation is in your hands. Happy with that?

9. The car that ‘failed’ under the other tester (you’ve never met him before) is back in today for its’ re-test today and you’ve spotted items that should have failed originally. Don’t say “easy, fail it” just think about the scenario, implications and every ones positions for a minute.
That’s:-
Yours
The bosses
The service receptionist (who’s about to explain the, err, problem sir….)
The original tester (who you are about to hang)
The customer
……..it’s your call.


I could go on all day, but the point I’m trying to make is expect the worst, and don’t expect any help. Then, anything better than that will be a bonus. Have confidence in your own abilities. Every day is a challenge.
Don’t be put off by my genetic pessimism.

I love it, even though I don’t have all the answers!

Best, Hoots.


P.S. You did remember to register on the VTS device before the S.M. (key role employee) went away on holiday didn't you.