Going back to previous contract ?

[zerointeractive]

Hi Folks

I have been on a gig as IT infrastructure manager for the past 14 months and I had enough of poor technology, overtimes, weekends and night calls. Also team is very "cold" in here and had very few opportunities to socialize, which makes this place a nightmare. But I have been a manager , which was something which I had dreamed about my entire career.

As I can't find another local gig (I am in Belgium at the moment) and my contract is coming to an end, I gave a call to my contacts in my previous assignment as Business Analyst which seems to like the idea of having me back in the team but the daily rate there is 5% lower. Also note stress is much lower or virtually zero. I do have some friends there and we catch up from time to time.

What is your advice ? Should I stay away of old contracts ? What is your experience ?

[Antman]

Repeat clients on the CV look good.

14 months is definitely not caught by the Friday to Monday in my book.

5% difference is nothing

There is a difference between BA and IT infrastructure manager, might want to think about what you are actually selling?

BTW I couldn't care less about the social aspect as long as there is no abuse etc. it's just biz-nizz.

[northernladuk]

Are you sure that isn't going to hurt your long term goals? Will you be able to get decent PM roles if you have one role sandwiched by two BA roles? Makes you look like you are a BA that got lucky with a PM role. Some say you are only as good as your last gig.

Going back to ex-clients is the goal of many of us. Do a good job and get invited back is a great situation rather than having to go find a new client all the time so no problems there. I just think jumping specialities might be a problem in the long run. Your call though.

[Old Greg]

Are you sure that isn't going to hurt your long term goals? Will you be able to get decent PM roles if you have one role sandwiched by two BA roles? Makes you look like you are a BA that got lucky with a PM role. Some say you are only as good as your last gig.

Going back to ex-clients is the goal of many of us. Do a good job and get invited back is a great situation rather than having to go find a new client all the time so no problems there. I just think jumping specialities might be a problem in the long run. Your call though.

Kind of depends. I jump disciplines, between PM, BA, transformation stuff, consultancy, lots of hybrids, but within a specialist area of a single industry. You just need to make a coherent story. Also, I try to get Consultant (rather than PM etc.) on a contract, and then on a CV, I will 'tailor' the job title, so that it is descriptive, rather than a formal title.

Anyway, just broken out of my niche and industry for the first time in my life.

[BolshieBastard]

Work to live, not live to work was my motto.

[NickNick]

Work to live, not live to work was my motto.

Till when?

[zerointeractive]

Indeed, my long term plans are more PM and less BA but here in Belgium they prefer trilingual PMs (NL/EN/FR) and I am not, hence I have receive more opportunities as BA.

Thanks for your answers folks, I will then do my best to go back then.