Starting out as contractor

[ladymuck]

... What we do is contracting ...

Many a construction worker would disagree with that statement!

[malvolio]

Many a construction worker would disagree with that statement!

Fair comment. And that's actually why PCG didn't really get anywhere with IR35 in the early days; they hadn't twigged what "contractor" meant to a lot of people.

[PerfectStorm]

Give it a go, you'll be battling adversity rain or shine. There are roles and there's always something for naysayers to complain about.

[Andy Hallett]

Totally this.... Who in their right mind would go contracting right now..

[northernladuk]

Well if contracting hadnt hit rockbottom before it has now.....

[PlanB]

Hi I am considering starting out as programme or project manager on contracting basis. I wondered what those in the £billion pound industry think about the current climate of contracting. Is this still a wise choice considering IR35 and the changes proposed. Or would I be better taking up permanent position. any general advise or considered opinions are greatly appreciated

Absolutely, I could not think of a better time to go contracting could you? All we are missing are a few in bound asteroids, ICBMs and perhaps Godzilla and we are all set for a fill your boots boom time for end of days contracting.

Top tip don't lose your contract, ever.

There might be a problem getting another one.

[nomadd]

Absolutely, I could not think of a better time to go contracting could you? All we are missing are a few in bound asteroids, ICBMs and perhaps Godzilla and we are all set for a fill your boots boom time for end of days contracting.

Top tip don't lose your contract, ever.

There might be a problem getting another one.

..and always have a PlanB.

[LondonManc]

Devil's advocate - if you get a 12-month Inside IR35 contract as your first ever contract right now, it could be the best time to start contracting. If you live within commuting distance of London.

Why, I hear the seasoned contractors ask. Well, put simply, because of you lot. A newbie will not have known about the tax breaks and the huge take home pay; they'll be very happy with a £65k in-the-pocket return from a £500/day contract. It's probably the same net as they have as gross in a permie job that they've just been binned off from. They don't need to worry about tax returns, VAT, QDOS reviews, retaining outside IR35 evidence, haggling over working practices, accountants, etc. - just put the money in their personal account and happy days. Just being a contingent worker with no strings.

If only there were any contracts about, it would be a fantastic time for newbie to go contracting!!!

[malvolio]

Devil's advocate - if you get a 12-month Inside IR35 contract as your first ever contract right now, it could be the best time to start contracting. If you live within commuting distance of London.

Why, I hear the seasoned contractors ask. Well, put simply, because of you lot. A newbie will not have known about the tax breaks and the huge take home pay; they'll be very happy with a £65k in-the-pocket return from a £500/day contract. It's probably the same net as they have as gross in a permie job that they've just been binned off from. They don't need to worry about tax returns, VAT, QDOS reviews, retaining outside IR35 evidence, haggling over working practices, accountants, etc. - just put the money in their personal account and happy days. Just being a contingent worker with no strings.

If only there were any contracts about, it would be a fantastic time for newbie to go contracting!!!

Actually I kind of agree. I know plenty of people who could be well outside Ir35 but who work through an umbrella voluntarily and trade the reduced take home for an easy life.

But if you've been around a while - and I started before IR35 - then you have an expectation of your take home percentage and gear your rates around that.

[Dhrucku]

Give it a go, you'll be battling adversity rain or shine. There are roles and there's always something for naysayers to complain about.

The optimism is great, however there just isn’t the supply for contracting roles at the moment so you’re going to struggle to get any traction.

For that reason going contracting right now is irrational as you’ll find better permanent propositions right now.