Originally posted by SussexSeagull
View Post
- Visitors can check out the Forum FAQ by clicking this link. You have to register before you can post: click the REGISTER link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. View our Forum Privacy Policy.
- Want to receive the latest contracting news and advice straight to your inbox? Sign up to the ContractorUK newsletter here. Every sign up will also be entered into a draw to WIN £100 Amazon vouchers!
State of the Market
Collapse
X
Collapse
-
-
Originally posted by SchumiStars View PostTalked to a recruiter today about the state of the .market and he was equally perplexed of the given situation.
He came back with the fact that he was running out of excuses since last Oct.
1. Half term
2. Christmas
3. New year
4. New Financial year
5. Summer
....
All of these would end and the market would bounce back. However currently 12mths in and I have not seen any upswing at all.
It is SO weird.Comment
-
Originally posted by escapeUK View PostIsn't it better to be honest, and those that actually are wanting someone more experienced can get in touch?
So, my "market adjustments":- Lower rate? Nope, I haven't been fussy about the rate since c. February. I'd actually prefer it if I could accept a lower rate for a while. But that's not how it seems to be working. Instead, we're getting 1/10th of the contracts, with high rates but insanely specific skills requirements.
- Perm? Tried applying for those, no dice.
- Perm even at a lower salary/more junior role than I had 5 years ago? Still no dice.
- Any combination of these, in a wider area, perhaps even with weekly commuting (if it's contract, perm isn't worth it)? Nope, still nothing.
Comment
-
Originally posted by Alf W View PostI don’t think any of this is down to ageism in the contracting sector anyway. It certainly is in the perm sector and it’s almost understandable although being in the 55+ bracket I don’t agree with it but I understand it.
its pure and simple supply and demand which the low number of contracts even falsely advertised and the crap rates tell you. Lots of older perms made or taken redundancy are finding out contracting is not as easy as it looked from the other side of the fence.
Question is, am I a retired contractor or an out of work contractor? One thing I’m not is a desperate contractor.Comment
-
Originally posted by Unix View Post
Don't put your DOB on your CV.
I had an interview with two people who were probably in their early 30s last week. To be fair I did fall over a question so can understand why I didn't get it but the feedback was worded that my testing knowledge wasn't 'modern enough', which certain hints that they thought any lack of knowledge on my part was caused by age as opposed to just being a lack of knowledge caused by a lack of knowledge.Comment
-
Originally posted by SussexSeagull View Post
I don't put my DOB but my age can be roughly worked out from my experience. The challenge for me is a lot of clients want experience and are perfectly aware you won't be there in 6 months or a years time so age isn't a problem.
I had an interview with two people who were probably in their early 30s last week. To be fair I did fall over a question so can understand why I didn't get it but the feedback was worded that my testing knowledge wasn't 'modern enough', which certain hints that they thought any lack of knowledge on my part was caused by age as opposed to just being a lack of knowledge caused by a lack of knowledge.Last edited by BigDataPro; 24 July 2024, 12:22.Comment
-
There might be a hint of green shoots - the latest PMI index shows improvements in both manufacturing and services. That's usually a sign of businesses improving confidence and investment.Comment
-
Originally posted by BigDataPro View Post
I used to be in Testing domain. Both Automation and Manual. Selenium, Cucumber, JUnit, NUnit the lot. Seeing the 'demand' for testers, I 'prepared' my CV, moved on to Data Domain. It was Definitely better but looks like it's going to get the same fate as testing. One thing I am unable to make up for, is my age and grey hairComment
-
Originally posted by SussexSeagull View Post
I am not convinced there is a niche you can occupy that will let you escape the current storm other than being in a contract and holding on to it!
The problem with a niche is that unless someone needs that skillset you are going to be sat waiting for a call.merely at clientco for the entertainmentComment
-
Originally posted by sspt27 View PostLike another poster here, I'm wondering whether I'm a resting contractor, or an (involuntarily) retired contractor.
Failing that. We live in the best time ever to earn money on the side. Like many things this is much better in the US, that if you deliver someone's groceries they will tip generously, often almost doubling your wages. In the UK lucky to get a quid tip. I haven't done this myself, but I enjoy watching people on Youtube do it. I find it quite relaxing for some reason.
Originally posted by SussexSeagull View Post
The fact is the retirement age was raised, partially to allow people to work longer and build up a larger pension pot. If people are being turned down for permanent jobs due to age then that is a real problem.
From the sound of it you need to use your off time to learn all the modern ways of testing.
Comment
Partners
- Home
- News & Features
- First Timers
- IR35 / S660 / BN66
- Employee Benefit Trusts
- Agency Workers Regulations
- MSC Legislation
- Limited Companies
- Dividends
- Umbrella Company
- VAT / Flat Rate VAT
- Job News & Guides
- Money News & Guides
- Guide to Contracts
- Successful Contracting
- Contracting Overseas
- Contractor Calculators
- MVL
- Contractor Expenses
Advertisers
Contractor Services
CUK News
- Streamline Your Retirement with iSIPP: A Solution for Contractor Pensions Sep 1 09:13
- Making the most of pension lump sums: overview for contractors Sep 1 08:36
- Umbrella company tribunal cases are opening up; are your wages subject to unlawful deductions, too? Aug 31 08:38
- Contractors, relabelling 'labour' as 'services' to appear 'fully contracted out' won't dupe IR35 inspectors Aug 31 08:30
- How often does HMRC check tax returns? Aug 30 08:27
- Work-life balance as an IT contractor: 5 top tips from a tech recruiter Aug 30 08:20
- Autumn Statement 2023 tipped to prioritise mental health, in a boost for UK workplaces Aug 29 08:33
- Final reminder for contractors to respond to the umbrella consultation (closing today) Aug 29 08:09
- Top 5 most in demand cyber security contract roles Aug 25 08:38
- Changes to the right to request flexible working are incoming, but how will contractors be affected? Aug 24 08:25
Comment