Remote contracts - how to get one?

[Ltd]

Did anyone work on a remote contract? How to get one? I suspect it will require a huge sacrifice on rate but once you do it from Thailand that starts to make sence, does not it?
Yes, there are things like odesk but with average rate of $14/hr it's a complete trash.
Are there any more mature places?

[stek]

I know someone who does remote support from Spain for UK but the rate is pathetic.

Unlikely to happen though unless you are either very niche and find someone willing, or you've built a bond of trust with the client.

One network lad I knew did 100% support from home, the two times he was really needed he was 1. In B&Q, and 2. At the airport picking his mate up.

Then he was out the door.

[jamesbrown]

It's common sense (note the spelling) that you aren't going to get a WFH contract unless the work can be conducted offsite, in principle, and you aren't going to get one with a high rate unless you're both a specialist and in-demand. In that scenario, a client wants a known quantity. To put it simply, unless you have clients approaching you (on the basis of reputation), it's unlikely that you're in a position to secure both a high rate and WFH.

[d000hg]

I haven't worked on a client site for more than a few months since I turned contractor at the end of 2007.

[mrv]

It depends heavily on the role. If you're a coding monkey, just typing along the specs you were given, then WFH could be well possible. If you're an end user support consultant and part of your job is to talk to people, then it might not be happening. Now you know what kind of work you do, so sit down and think for a bit what kind of interaction with other people within the client company is needed, where your daily tasks come from, are people reporting to you or maybe you're reporting to someone, etc etc. Then you will have a fair understanding of how feasible WFH is for you, and if it is feasible - start asking for WFH next time the agent rings up. Simples.

[SueEllen]

Also while there are some types of work that can be done remotely it's not feasible for them be done remotely 100% of the time. I know lots of IT and design workers who work remotely but even they have to spend around 30% of their time interacting with people. This means they have to be able to get into an office every few days, work using tools like Skype or be constantly on the phone.