You might be working a traditional w2 job and your employer has had you working for a client for a number of years; you signed a non-compete but only after you had already been working; you know you could be working as a consultant and retaining much more than you did before. You might know other clients who would benefit from your services and you don’t need the burden of an employer to get in the way.
You are not rusty at what you do
Get your linked in profile runningMake sure your keywords are in thereHave an email that you send to prospects letting them know you want a reference after each engagement. Constant contact, some CRM system for keeping track of all your relationships and on-going communications.