State of the Market

[TheDude]

Everything seems quite dead right now. The boards and direct approaches have dropped off considerably for my skill set (not dev). Time of year with the school holidays?

Had more 'interviews' than ever for gigs but no offers. Not sure if that says something about me personally - too many random skills (e.g. not specialist enough in for spec), too expensive (top of the market day rate as I've been doing this a long time), bad at video meetings, or more client demands due to things being inside IR35 across the board. I've had fully remote jobs switch to wanting hybrid in a remote location during the initial video meeting and other off spec requirements.

I've been contracting for a long time and it's gradually gotten harder in recent years. How is everyone else finding things? At this stage the money is what drives me in this kind of role as it's more than perm or going completely freelance, and if the money, gigs and easily reachable locations (London) are becoming scarce then I might just attempt a career change and do what I'm really excited by (on the cards at some point anyway). Honest (but gentle) responses always appreciated :-)

If you have been doing this a long time you *may* be a victim of age discrimination.

Companies run high profile campaigns to demonstrate their commitment to diversity yet few campaigns seem to feature anyone in their 50s.

[PerfectStorm]

A few calls but almost all Inside IR35 now. Fearing I may lose my status as a gold-star contractor - never tainted by Inside work!

Also a lot of Indian call centre stuff which just goes nowhere. So depressing.

[DitchTheBox]

If you have been doing this a long time you *may* be a victim of age discrimination.

Companies run high profile campaigns to demonstrate their commitment to diversity yet few campaigns seem to feature anyone in their 50s.

It has crossed my mind that it may be age related, definitely. I lead with my x years experience on my CV and as an intro in the interviews. I wondered if maybe they equate that as being less flexible and less agreeable.

[DitchTheBox]

A few calls but almost all Inside IR35 now. Fearing I may lose my status as a gold-star contractor - never tainted by Inside work!

Also a lot of Indian call centre stuff which just goes nowhere. So depressing.

There are still some outside gigs out there. I've noticed potential clients expecting a lot more BAU in advertised gigs now they’re mostly inside IR35. When I went into this it was to provide my services to clients as a business and with a position of mutual respect B2B. I'm seeing a definite lean towards being treated as BAU staff now with the inside roles. Sad times for everyone who went into things with a business mentality.

[TheDude]

It has crossed my mind that it may be age related, definitely. I lead with my x years experience on my CV and as an intro in the interviews. I wondered if maybe they equate that as being less flexible and less agreeable.

I have removed some of my experience from my CV now I am nearly 50.

I am quite lucky in that I look young as well but sooner later I am sure I will start being rejected fir culture fit reasons.

[t0bytoo]

Not to go down an age discrimination hole - but, I have found that I have done better with interviews over the phone, versus video chat.

I also cut back my CV to hide 20+ year old stuff.

On another note: The Dude - do you work with Ruby? There was a Dude who worked at gaming place.... Many years ago.

[TheDude]

Not to go down an age discrimination hole - but, I have found that I have done better with interviews over the phone, versus video chat.

I also cut back my CV to hide 20+ year old stuff.

On another note: The Dude - do you work with Ruby? There was a Dude who worked at gaming place.... Many years ago.

No - I work with Scala.

[t0bytoo]

No - I work with Scala.

That'll stop me wondering whenever I see your posts.

[BlueSharp]

A few calls but almost all Inside IR35 now. Fearing I may lose my status as a gold-star contractor - never tainted by Inside work!

Also a lot of Indian call centre stuff which just goes nowhere. So depressing.

I'm finding the same, current contract coming to an end so looking what's out there. Looks like my streak of 12 years outside contracting continuously is coming to an end.

[PerfectStorm]

I'm finding the same, current contract coming to an end so looking what's out there. Looks like my streak of 12 years outside contracting continuously is coming to an end.

Better inside than dead, I guess. Anything's gonna beat my current £0/day gig