Confidence as a Contractor

[BR14]

But NLUK, I've been in IT almost 30 years now (about 15 as a contractor) and you still think I'm a cock ;-)

I don't think he's alone in that, somehow

[billybiro]

7 years though?

Yes. For some people, it can be their whole careers / lives.

It's the opposite of the Dunning–Kruger effect. Those to whom impostor syndrome is a very real phenomenon are likely the very ones who genuinely are good at what they do. Quite bizarrely, usually the stronger the impostor syndrome is felt, the more talented the person actually is. There's some very well documented tales of very talented and famous people who suffer with it.

Conversely, those that immediately (or very quickly) think they know it all are more likely to be the Dunning–Kruger dimwits.

[jamesbrown]

Nice one, OP.

You're now in the elite group of contractors who can lick the chutney spoon while bleeding radiators and discussing gladiators.

[Cirrus]

(I've heard you are a nice person in real life though. )

What's 'real life'

[Old Greg]

That's probably because you are.



(I've heard you are a nice person in real life though. )

If you don't mind being bored tulipless by the keyboard replacement bod.

[northernladuk]

Nice one, OP.

You're now in the elite group of contractors who can lick the chutney spoon while bleeding radiators and discussing gladiators.

Boooom! This and mic drop.

[SussexSeagull]

Nice one, OP.

You're now in the elite group of contractors who can lick the chutney spoon while bleeding radiators and discussing gladiators.

Sounds like a euphemism!

[BolshieBastard]

I have been contracting for about 7 years.

Most of that I felt like someone was going to tap me on the shoulder and tell me it's time to leave and it's all been an elaborate ploy.

Over the years, and moving through lots of offices, I started to realise that I kind of knew what I was talking about and could do a decent job.

In most of my interviews especially the early ones I was so keen to push my achievements and my technical skills it was exhausting.

However my latest search was completely different. I have got an ok War Chest and could use a break, but I was still getting calls.

So I decided to believe I was good at what I did and it kind of worked.

When asked about rates and working locations I was very firm but fair. I got a call about a great rate with 50/50 WFH.

I had a phone interview with the Tech chap from the client and it was totally different to any other interview I have had.

Because I was not desperate for the contract, it progressed just like a "chat", totally informal and we traded stories about awful contracts we had been on etc. It was clear that we both knew what we were talking about and he was feeling me out for team fit.

I was offered the job, and because I knew the client wanted me, played hardball with recruiter. I managed to get 100% WFH and held the rate as it was, despite intense pressure (and some blatant lies) from the recruiter trying to increase his margin.

Anyway I realise that is a bit of a wishy-washy post but I wanted to tell people who would understand

Guess I am cut out to be a contractor after all

Yeah, I bet you really impressed the client who agreed a 50/50 WFH to find behind his back you wanted and held out fo 100% WFH. Way to go!

[fiisch]

I was going to write a post about Imposter Syndrome last night, but talked myself out of it...

Very much feel the same - been a BA for 6 years, contractor for 3 (with a break in between), and very much walk around almost expecting a tap on the shoulder before politely being escorted from the building.

I think it's partly that being on a day rate, I am conscious of having to deliver value every minute of every day. It didn't help that my last contract I did - literally - nothing. Not for the want of trying, but it really undermined my confidence and made me second-guess every move.

It's amazing how a few weeks into a new contract and already I am noticing a difference in how I talk and walk about the office - I am not a naturally confident guy, and am very much a confidence player. It's also amazing how, as you start to feel more confident in a role, you notice that the other guys who you thought knew the systems back-to-front and were seasoned pros are not quite as awesome as you thought when you were hiding in the corner second-guessing your every move.

[psychocandy]

That's probably because you are.



(I've heard you are a nice person in real life though. )

Ha ha thank you SE. I'm welling up a bit here....