What is your background?
4 years professional experience at the same company, currently a Senior Dev.
In my current role I do a lot of greenfield development, machine learning, big data stuff and working with Open Source technologies.
Hopefully as time goes on, and I get to build a proven track record, I might start looking into doing more word-of-mouth jobs than anything else.
I dont know about elsewhere in the world, but if you too are in the UK, I still don't know whether I will be going through an umbrella company or setting my own LTD and handling the paperwork myself (through accountants).
Hope this helps.
Looks like I might have to do something similar, just a bit risky trying to get them first few customers, especially when you have no contracting experience.
Just put your CV out there and apply to 2-3 jobs. See the feedback you get and take it from there. I don't think previous experience as a contractor is important - that being said, having professional experience in the field is definitely very important.
You just need to set up a ltd company and manage your own payroll/accounts/pension and then find an accountant to do your end of year accounts. Or you can pay an accountant to do it all for you (but it will cost more). I found it difficult getting a reliable accountant in the UK - every single one of them were late preparing my accounts.
As long as you don't mind moving to a new company every 6-12 months and working on potentially boring projects, it is a great experience. The money is great in the UK, and the work is generally relatively easy. I eventually got fed up with mind-numbingly boring projects and sitting with nothing to do most of the time (I think I work too fast), and eventually ditched it and worked full-time on my own startups.
I would recommend waiting until you get your first contract before quitting your job (that's what I did). Some want you to start immediately, while others will let you wait a month to give your notice.
Also, would you suggest charging per hour or day?
Right now I live in Canada and charge US$100/hr for short term contracts (up to a few days), although normally I quote fixed-price and it works out roughly $100/hr or a bit higher. This is mostly for customizing my own product to a customer's requirements.