Data warehouse ... solo style

I am doing the dimensional modeling, gathering reqments, understanding the source, doing ETL, bringing into Cognos...

I would recommend emigrating to Australia. Assuming you are fairly competent and polite you could expect to be paid 2 or 3 times the salary for that type of role. Cost of living is definitely higher than in the US, but online shopping is driving that down in many areas. The economy is healthy and IT skill shortages are huge with few graduates coming through our universities. Work culture is much more relaxed than in US, especially in the IT sector.

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Is solo even realistic?

As we say downunder: "It's a big ask". I do offer it to my clients, so I do a mix of solo and small team projects. I have 20+ years experience in Reporting & Analysis solutions to draw on, and I also stick to just one stack (currently Microsoft). It's still a big challenge, but I enjoy it. When the project suits you can be very Agile.

Isn't the work visa in Australia somewhat problematic?

solo is realistic, but very hazardous to your DW/BI career. I think pulling it off requires more luck than skill unless you already know the business and the intricacies of their data.

Hey I do all that too, solo...bosses don't seem to mind or think it's a problem........as long as I'm still here!!!