For nearly a decade, Matt Perna has been building a career on his terms through Field Nation. What started as a search for flexibility quickly evolved into a full-time vocation—one that’s taken him from setting up displays at big-box retailers to leading multi-day, multi-site projects around the country. Along the way, Matt has embraced the unpredictability of field service work and created a lifestyle that reflects his values, skills, and ambitions.

Finding freedom in the unexpected

Matt’s journey into field services began unexpectedly. After spending some time at a network operations center (NOC), he searched for something different that didn’t involve sitting at a desk from 9 to 5. A friend introduced him to Field Nation, and it clicked. “I didn’t like 9-to-5, and I didn’t want to work for somebody else,” Matt recalls. “I signed up, and within a month, Field Nation became my sole platform.”

He brought a background in tech and a lifelong fascination with computers. His first few work orders were modest—like setting up a product display in a Home Depot—but by the fourth or fifth, he led a team on a complex install. “Two months later, I flew to New York to lead a week-long project at a flagship store.”

Choosing the work that works

Today, Matt focuses on project-based work that offers stability and substance. He prefers projects that are roughly 4 to 40 hours long. His services range from POS installs and structured cabling to site surveys and laptop setups for state testing.

A typical day in Matt’s world is anything but typical. His schedule is usually set a week or two in advance, but the work can vary wildly. “Some days start at 4 a.m., some at 4 p.m.,” he says. “I just roll out of bed and get on the road.”

Here’s one thing he’s learned: Expect the unexpected. “I thrive on challenges,” he says. “Getting the project done isn’t always the hardest part. It’s navigating the surprises, the equipment issues, the communication gaps.” Matt leans on years of experience to problem-solve on the fly and cut through confusion.

Looking toward the future and enjoying flexibility

Looking ahead, Matt is open to growing his operation, potentially bringing on full-time employees. But for now, he’s focused on what’s working: a flexible, rewarding career powered by hard-earned skill and a strong sense of autonomy. “It’s an exciting career. I get to do what I want, when I want, and Field Nation has been a big part of that.”