Looking to get into contracting but not sure about rates?

[henryhooverville]

So what's your long term plan? Just think you've made it becasuse you are earning 200 quid or less for 6 months? That's your career plan?

No way is even a couple hundred enough for a career in this. I am currently looking to learn Python, next year will be Java and C# to a basic level. After that I will probably have to go for a perm role to start getting experience as a junior developer and after about 5 years from now I hope to set off and dabble in contracting again.

The money I earn over the next few months will fund the certifications for a little while.

I think first line right now is good for me because it is lower maintainence than a higher level (it is the lowest level really) - enough that I can do a degree as well.

I am sort of cashing in for the moment to then re-invest that and upskill into either Java or C# at the end of it. Less stress when I am at uni (financial) means more time to study code.

I will be poor either way for the next few years, best to spend what I have to earn even more at the end of it and such.

[MrMarkyMark]

Oh, also I'd be doing a History degree so a lot of time to myself to read really.

What use do you think a history degree is going to be to your goal of being a software developer?

Or do you fancy sh@gging around and caining it for a few years?

Serious question?

[cvinbin]

If i was 19 again OP i would run far away as possible from IT.

Contract roles are few and far between and unless you like dealing with lying cheating agencies it is not the life for you .

Automation is putting an end to lots of different professions , find something a machine or piece of software cannot do .

[SlipTheJab]

I've got a mate whose got a degree in Geology (or soil as I used to call it), he's a pretty good automation tester.

[henryhooverville]

What use do you think a history degree is going to be to your goal of being a software developer?

Or do you fancy sh@gging around and caining it for a few years?

Serious question?

Absolutely nothing, it's a personal investment in the same way I might buy a prettier car or get a loft converted. Though it does give me time and if I find something part-time r software development cool. It's really just something I want to do, some people build castles but I write history.

[henryhooverville]

Errrm, before you have contract offer

Not proper like but looking into places in the instance I am given an offer so the move could be a smooth process, umm inasmuch as the interview is Thursday so I might as well give it a peekn

I am bad with words lol

[northernladuk]

As a general rule you can't rely on learning stuff as a contractor, particularly stuck on a 1st line service desk. You are there to deliver, not bugger around. That's reserved for permies.

You are also gonna fail on your funding if you get this gig and then nothing for months after.

IMO you've seen the rates and you can't let it go. In 4 or 5 years of not getting anywhere you are going to regret it all. You won't be the first and certainly won't be the last.

[henryhooverville]

If i was 19 again OP i would run far away as possible from IT...

Automation is putting a end to lots of different professions...

I've got a mate whose got a degree in Geology (or soil as I used to call it), he's a pretty good automation tester.

You could say that automation doesn't rock

I'll keep my eye out, still young. Maybe I can do the History of Geology

[henryhooverville]

... IMO you've seen the rates and you can't let it go.

I really am not a material sort of person, the money's nice and if I can make it work coolio. But if not then I have other avenues/careers I can pursue, I don't want to throw myself at IT until I'm all bruised.

The software dev stuff feeds into a little life project I'd like to do, but right now I want flexibility of work - finding someone to hire my services be it at a shopfront or at a helpdesk, and then running off to uni to really sit down in poverty but with a tulip-ton of resources for me to develop as an individual.

I'm looking for a vocation not money for a vacation, and hey if you see my CV and like it, grab a reference, that's grand :Wink

[SueEllen]

Absolutely nothing, it's a personal investment in the same way I might buy a prettier car or get a loft converted. Though it does give me time and if I find something part-time r software development cool. It's really just something I want to do, some people build castles but I write history.

A History degree isn't a personal investment when you have to pay for it as you won't easily get a job that pays of the debt.

If you are serious in going into IT and earning money do some funky course with a programming or business element.