How much was your warchest?

**simes** · 23 May 2018, 09:28

It was a along time ago, but I was temping at the time with no war chest.

So I just slid straight in.

**HugeWhale** · 23 May 2018, 09:59

I quit a permanent role and had about 20K in the bank which could have lasted me for 9-10 months at the time . It took me four months to land my first contract and another two before I actually started.

Something that no-one talks about is the emotional side. I quit a job yet still had a mortgage, a wife and a new child. It sounds irresponsible, but I just knew that I'd had enough and needed to go my own way to some degree.

**Scruff** · 23 May 2018, 10:02

One Meelion Rupees

**Mordac** · 23 May 2018, 10:16

Originally posted by MattZani View Post

As per title, I'm curious to know how big a warchest you guys had when you switched to contracting.

How many months/years could you have survived without a gig?

3 months redundancy pay (about £6k) in the early 90s. I started contracting - immediately - by accident, and stayed with it (25 years this October). Mind you I was single and didn't have a mortgage. It was much easier back then, now I think you'd need a minimum of 6 months worth of warchest, and keep topping it up as you go.

**oliverson** · 23 May 2018, 10:37

£0

Several months out of work after redundancy due to the dotcom crash forced my hand. Never looked back.

**VillageContractor** · 23 May 2018, 10:38

10k in debt or thereabouts.

Massive risk for me and I'm fortunate to be in a better position now

**LondonManc** · 23 May 2018, 10:52

c. £9k back in 2009, which is roughly £9k by today's standards.

**simes** · 23 May 2018, 11:02

Originally posted by LondonManc View Post

c. £9k back in 2009, which is roughly £9k by today's standards.

I did laugh...

Originally posted by oliverson View Post

£0

Several months out of work after redundancy due to the dotcom crash forced my hand. Never looked back.

Ah, reminds me of my first contract role in the telco industry which actually came to an end for the very same reason. So, telco no longer being an option, I found a contract role in travel. That came to an end due to 9/11.

I was left wondering if I went into the automotive industry, how exactly that would fall flat on its face.

Life picked up shortly afterwards though.

**TonyF** · 23 May 2018, 13:42

£0

Got a contract and invoiced more in the three months than I'd earned in the year as a permie. Things were looking rosy, contract extension for 9 months.

Then it got canned...

How much was your warchest?