War chest Almost Depleted and Getting Desperate

[NeedTheSunshine]

The the most disastrously incompetent people go Inside IR35 now <cough>Psychocandy</cough>

Harsh

[jamesbrown]

Harsh

Agree; when it comes to bennies, he leaves no stone unturned.

[callum103]

I have been lucky in finding work since I started in 2005 but that's more due to my network than the market. When I do have to resort to agencies finding me a role I have never been in a position where I've had so many interview offers where I've had to turn some down.

It could be that, by following what interests me rather than specialising in a particular industry or skillset, I have put myself at a disadvantage to those agents who can't see what that brings.

This is so true, a lot of the contractors I spoke too at my last permie role (I'm new to contracting) would express how their networks got them the gigs as opposed to any agency. So, during my time as a permie, I made sure I kept all of the lead PM's and big fish sweet just in case I ever came back to the organisation as a contractor at a later date. LinkedIn is also very good for advertising services.

[SussexSeagull]

This is so true, a lot of the contractors I spoke too at my last permie role (I'm new to contracting) would express how their networks got them the gigs as opposed to any agency. So, during my time as a permie, I made sure I kept all of the lead PM's and big fish sweet just in case I ever came back to the organisation as a contractor at a later date. LinkedIn is also very good for advertising services.

Three of my last four contract have come through my network noticing I was available through Linked In and the other through Jobserve.

Of course it is easy enough to do both (and other job sites).

[Bluenose]

Finding LOTS of NICHE roles around which my experience suggests I am a good fit for but when approaching recruiters it seems it's a Niche in a Niche that is wanted.

This is what a bear market in contracting feels like, back in the day during such markets i would hit search and it would return three main results only: SAP (Must be Payroll/HR module), .Net with payments experience and bloody Murex/Tibco/Charles River gigs.

I did a search yesterday and reading the adverts it’s like pulling teeth. unusually barren for July.

[ITGUYSI]

Newbie

I'm currently in the process of leaving the military and am looking at going into an IT contract role, initially under an umbrella company just to test the water. My question is this, will the IR35 changes next year mean that going limited will no longer have the same benefits?

[northernladuk]

I'm currently in the process of leaving the military and am looking at going into an IT contract role, initially under an umbrella company just to test the water. My question is this, will the IR35 changes next year mean that going limited will no longer have the same benefits?

It may not even be an option. You need to understand the whole picture better. There is a good sticky explaining this. It's for the public sector but will give you a good idea.
https://www.contractoruk.com/forums/...bout-ir35.html

[ITGUYSI]

It may not even be an option. You need to understand the whole picture better. There is a good sticky explaining this. It's for the public sector but will give you a good idea.
https://www.contractoruk.com/forums/...bout-ir35.html

So I would be better off using an umbrella? I know this will mean I don't get the tax benefit but day rates of pay and flexibility would still make it better than 9-5.

[highlandspring]

been there

I have been in that position and it isn't fun, first few months were stress free but by month four I got very frustrated.

I ended up going back on PAYE for nearly two years, but are now back contracting again. I kept my company ticking over for two years and was close to closing but then an opportunity came along again.

Hang in there the market will pickup once things settle around the World.

[sira]

For those of you who have a small warchest, or don't want to dip into the warchest and prefer to keep busy - if you hit the bench, what are you planning to do? Assuming you can't find a contract or permanent role in your field and/or industry in the new year.

I'm considering things like private tutoring for example, my friend who does it said I could earn £30-£40ph. Better than nothing...