The trials of a seasoned contractor

[ladymuck]

Also spelled 'sandals'

[ruasonid]

I've been recently chatting with these guys. 50 Experts | 50 Experts ... I don't need any extra income, but if something comes of it - why not? NB - they mainly work in Africa and Asia where older people are viewed with rather more respect than in Europe.

Thanks for that.

[ruasonid]

Different times now...how & in what way?

Also interested to hear more.

[edison]

Different times now...how & in what way?

More recent context, female friend of mine started contracting 5 years ago...she actually hired me as a contractor some time ago..she's now 55 or 56 and doing well & just moved from 1 previous role to a new contract role seamlessly. BA stuff.

I think it depends on 2 things; your outlook & your specialism.

If you come across as Victor Meldrew you're not going to fit anywhere, but if you're genuinely pleasant, enthusiastic & have a good sense of humour, as well as the required skills, you'd stand a better chance.

If you're tech related then it probably is more restrictive, although I personally do know some tech guys well into their fifties who are still contracting but I think there's maybe more scope if you're business focused & maybe operating in non-London places.

Just my humble opinion which OP might find of use.

I'd say level of the role's seniority has an impact too. For IT leadership roles, senior programme managers etc then aged 50-60 isn't necessarily a barrier. I think organisation culture is more of a marker. I've worked in sectors like leisure or consumer goods and they tend to have a youthful mindset. Most of the senior IT management was around 40-45. It's also a bit of luck that the hiring manager is more open minded. I've worked with some who are just openly hesitant about anyone much over 50.

The irony of course is that there is a shortage of technology and business skills and companies can't find these candidates amongst 'younger' people so who will fill the gaps?

[BigRed]

I'm 63, a DBA. I still find it relatively easy to get contracts, only 3 months on the bench in total for the last 5 contracts spanning 7 years, 3 from F2F and two telephone only. I generally find I'm more current with technology than the permies.

Don't worry about age.

[GhostofTarbera]

I'm 63, a DBA. I still find it relatively easy to get contracts, only 3 months on the bench in total for the last 5 contracts spanning 7 years, 3 from F2F and two telephone only. I generally find I'm more current with technology than the permies.

Don't worry about age.

Wow I thought you were like 75


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[cojak]

I've been recently chatting with these guys. 50 Experts | 50 Experts ... I don't need any extra income, but if something comes of it - why not? NB - they mainly work in Africa and Asia where older people are viewed with rather more respect than in Europe.

Hmmm... bookmarked (you never know...).

[hairymouse]

I'm 63, a DBA. I still find it relatively easy to get contracts, only 3 months on the bench in total for the last 5 contracts spanning 7 years, 3 from F2F and two telephone only. I generally find I'm more current with technology than the permies.

Don't worry about age.

Fits my experience as well. Everyone wants their web guys to be young and cutting edge but also wants their database guys to be old and experienced. That's why I switched from front end to data warehousing in my late 40's.

Too bad that as "Data Scientists", we are now expected to know Java and Python.

[darmstadt]

Hmmm... bookmarked (you never know...).

Yeah, they might to do some work on their website to be taken seriously. A lot of them have the same background:

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[pauldee]

I have to say, during my career I've noticed very little correlation between age and ability.