After more than 15 years in infrastructure, DevOps and cloud technologies, Molly Henderson reached a crossroads familiar to many senior IT professionals and Atlassian specialists: how to continue growing while avoiding the isolation that often comes with independent consulting.

Her story with the ServiceRocket Crew Member Program demonstrates that independence does not have to mean working alone and that the right community can transform a contractor’s experience.

The Challenge: Overcoming the Isolation of Independent Consulting

Molly’s transition from a traditional engineering leadership role to independent consulting was driven by a desire for autonomy and growth. However, many IT contractors fear being “siloed” away from the teams they support and wonder how to avoid isolation in independent IT consulting. Molly shared those concerns:

“I have, in my career, worked with consultants and contractors. A lot of times, they are put out on an island and do not get access to information that is crucial to doing our jobs. I had a fear of that coming into ServiceRocket, but everyone here is so helpful! I am treated like a full-time employee.”

From her very first interactions, Molly found the ServiceRocket Crew Member Program to be different. The onboarding process was thorough and welcoming; it set clear expectations and fostered a sense of belonging from day one.

Collaboration and Support in Action

Rather than feeling isolated, Molly quickly became part of a collaborative ecosystem. She highlights the consistent communication and support from both project managers and fellow Crew Member consultants:

“The three customers I have worked with so far have great project managers who let me know what is going on. If I ask for information, they are always glad to provide it, whether it is access to a wiki page or a PDF. With that constant communication, I do not feel treated any differently from a full-time employee.”

This sense of community extended beyond day-to-day work. Within ServiceRocket’s culture, the distinction between full-time employees and contractors fades, and Molly found herself welcomed as an equal member of the team.

Confidence, Growth and Belonging

Being part of ServiceRocket’s Crew Member, a curated community of freelancers, has had a profound impact on Molly’s confidence, IT consulting career growth and professional identity. She reflects:

“I have more confidence as a consultant than I ever did as a full-time employee. My time is mine. So, it is up to me to research and learn something new. For me, it is important because every hour I work is an hour towards my growth.”

This autonomy, paired with the support of her team, has enabled Molly to take ownership of her growth and learning while still feeling connected to a larger purpose.

Advice for Aspiring Contractors

For those considering a similar path, Molly’s advice is clear:

“Do not be afraid to ask questions. If you have them, do not sit on them, because the faster you ask them, the faster things get resolved.”

Her experience underscores the importance of open communication and proactive engagement in building both confidence and community.

Molly Henderson’s journey illustrates the benefits of joining a curated community of freelancers. When supported by a strong community, independent consultants can gain autonomy and a deep sense of belonging. The ServiceRocket Crew Member Program empowers Atlassian specialists like Molly to grow, connect and thrive—not as isolated contractors, but as valued members of a collaborative team.