Can someone explain as new to all this.....

[max]

I am thinking about going contracting in the next 12 months, I have had enough of the permanent game for a while and want the flexibilty of being able to have more time off inbetween contracts.

Do it now! The contracting market can die off. Good times now, but they may not last.

[XperTest]

The fact is with the information he's given us so far he would actually be taking a pay cut to go contracting! Exchanging the comfort of a 30K salary (plus oension, sick pay etc) for a 15 pounds/hour contract coupled with the uncertainty that goes with contracting seems a bit daft to me, even if it's a lifestyle decision..