The Private Investigator Occupational Survey

It's that time of the year when the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics tells investigators our work prospects, the pay scale, the characteristics of the PI business, and more. Apparently, 1/3 of us are self-employed.
Particular temperaments succeed in this varied, demanding business that requires many oppositional qualities: patience and persistence, ability to respond to cues (from both our clients and witnesses) and yet, take initiative. Investigators I respect are demanding thinkers who consider the permutations of their actions and techniques, the possible outcomes, for their client and the case success. Creative thinking should be applied to every familiar task, as well as the unknown ventures. Otherwise, we make assumptions, which is a deadly state in this business.