2010 proved a difficult year for most contractors and other workers and with many hoping this year will bring better things, one contractor has reflected on what he has learnt from the tough year.

John White of venTAJA Marketing writes on freelancefolder.com that he made around half as much money in 2010 as he did in 2009.

One lesson from this, he says, is to "wear many hats" - be prepared to do many different things, with about 30 per cent of his income throughout the year coming from typically undesirable jobs.

The next thing Mr White advises, is that contractors "tend their cushion" to make sure that they can cope financially during times when no work is coming in.

He adds that contractors should not lose confidence in themselves because of the economic circumstances, saying that it would be difficult to go back "inside" after contracting for so long.