State of the Market

[pjt]

Interesting point. Are there fewer people in their early to mid-30s, continuing to go into contracting?

10-15 years ago it seemed that I worked with a lot of contractors who were under 35. Now there seem to be fewer younger ones about.

This forum seems to be disproportionately populated by people well past 40 so I don't think we're particularly representative of 'the market'.

Funnily enough my son has just picked up his first contract role. Hes still at Uni but has ben offered a part time gig with a small startup. Outside IR35 so their is some hope for the younger ones. I've given him a strong warning not to go down this road when he graduates though as its looking like a tough sell longer term.

[pjt]

But haven't consultancies historically backfilled with contractors?

Thats where I seem to be getting work these days. Some of the small consultancies are almost like agencies in disguise. They pitch for work and when they win they have a pool of contractors they can utalise. I have to say its worth getting some contacts with these guys if they like you they can be a good source of work.

[TheDude]

But haven't consultancies historically backfilled with contractors?

I guess - I am working for the government via a consultancy and a supplier. The rate is crap presumably because everyone in the supply chain is taking a chunk.

I have had zero contact with the consultancy since starting in September.

I'm not complaining because at least I am getting paid and it is outside but I am on £200 a day less that I was getting in 2013.

[TheDude]

Not the ones from India/off-shore. They normally have a queue of people wanting to work for peanuts and a visa in my experience.

My last city gig was at a European bank. The development floor was at least 80% Indian they were either extremely careful with their money or were getting paid way less than (at least what used used to be) the going rate.

There were exceptions but in general they were lower calibre developers than I was used to working with. I don't blame them for chasing opportunity but if and when they are made redundant some will really struggle.