Choosing between contract offers?

[BolshieBastard]

Im indecisive sometimes, today being one of those times.

In the enviable position of having two contract offers, would appreciate some views, considerations about which you may choose and why, what would sway your opinion.

Agents margins play no part, both as far as im aware are minimum/fixed
Locations no bearing, both same distance from home and accommodation costs


Contract 1 - 6 months (extensions unlikely), higher rate approx. £65pd (higher end of my rate scale)
Small unknown financial company in a niche area for which I have a experience, hence demand driving rate negotiation & counter offers
Easy contract, small project & well within comfort zone & overall accountability
Friendly, less stress?


Contract 2 - 5 months (extensions likely), lower rate by approx. £65pd (low end of my rate scale)
Large well known financial company, large programme, potential for extension 9, 12, 18? months
More challenging role in unfamiliar area, opportunities to polish project and senior stakeholder skills
Probably more stress?


The choice im struggling with is whether you chase the money or play the longer game, new challenges, improved skills and client. Contract 2 was my clear choice but the counter offer and rate differential has made me re-think.

My heart says Contract 2 and money isnt everything, but my head keeps thinking about 'losing' x per day/month - over 6-9 months? it could be £10k gross. That said should contract 2 continue long term the differential is wiped out having avoided a break between contracts.

Im so indecisive today ive even put together a weighted list of positives and negatives for both and still they come out pretty even

Someone suggested I come across as a 'bell end' on a thread the other day, no doubt at all now that I am
Please feel free to flame but would appreciate some embers of advice or opinions re my decision.

Cheers

Threads like this seriously (and I mean, seriously) **** me off. Are people really so inadequate?

[Barley]

Threads like this seriously (and I mean, seriously) **** me off. Are people really so inadequate?

Whereas your recent thread "Octavia vRS Skip on wheels" is dripping in adequacy

[Barley]

Your mistake is in your understanding of what 'likely' and 'unlikely' mean in agent-speak.

While your mistake is assuming im naïve enough to take any 8ulltulip from agents and not consider ive discussed direct with end client, have a clear understanding of the overall delivery, my role and where this sits with the clients requirements.

Contracts only as good as your notice, right! that's one thing but its key to understand the longevity of a role and not take what the agent says on face value.

I also don't subscribe to the common belief that all agents are 8arstards, there are still some good ones out there, but then I make an effort to network and develop agent and client relationships hence repeat business and people ringing me with real client roles.

[eek]

Threads like this seriously (and I mean, seriously) **** me off. Are people really so inadequate?

No but if you can't make a decision, what harm is there in asking for a second opinion.

[tractor]

...

No but if you can't make a decision, what harm is there in asking for a second opinion.

Yeah, I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure.......

[d000hg]

I've followed the money twice, and regret having done so. But then one can never tell what the outcome of the alternatives would be.

In this case it's by all accounts a better job AND more money - the pros of the other job are all somewhat intangible.

[jjdarg]

In this case it's by all accounts a better job AND more money - the pros of the other job are all somewhat intangible.

Fair point. My day rate deltas were >£100, but neither of the two roles enhanced my future saleability or pipeline, just more of the same; in fact, I don't ever want to work for either of those clients ever again, and I get calls at least once a week about working for one of them again.

Although I did build up a good war chest in both instances. Which is nothing to sniff at.

(Don't want to add to OP's indecision here, though!)

[Willapp]

I'd take contract #1 for sure. When contracting I try never to look more than 6 months ahead regardless, since it's a volatile market and let's face it there is no job security either way. If you limited the decision to what puts you in a better position in 6 months time, you'd take the extra cash knowing that in the worst case that cash will support you while you find another contract, *if* the client does let you go. Best case scenario the project gets extended or you do such a great job they find another project for you to work on, and then you get an extension at the higher rate.

It sounds like you want the "security" of potential extensions which makes me think you want the comfort of a perm role with the financial benefits of contracting, and you can't have both.

HTH

[northernladuk]

Which one has the most totty within sight of your working area?

[BolshieBastard]

No but if you can't make a decision, what harm is there in asking for a second opinion.

Seriously?

Should I tulip or get off the pot?

Honestly, if people need to ask a bunch of strangers which offer they should go for, they shouldnt be contracting. (IMVHO).