Leaving cushy gig for a huge rate increase?

[Dagger]

The age old question. I'm torn and need some sense talked into me by you good folk here.

My current gig pays pretty mediocre compared to the current market rates at €500p/d. The work is pretty chilled and stress free compared to most other places I've been in.

One of my old clients in the UK are struggling to find staff and jist offered me a 100% remote contract at €850p/d. I wasn't planning on leaving my current gig but this is an obscene amount of money. The work is pretty hectic but I've worked there for a few years in the past so would be manageable, just would have a lot less spare time during the day.

Give me some words of wisdom.

[ladymuck]

Inside or outside? Remote, client based, hybrid? How long do you think the work will last for?

Other than the money, what else is the new gig offering you that could make it interesting? Did you enjoy working there before or are they a nightmare?

Personally, when I get to the comfy point you're at in your current gig that's the time when I get itchy feet and start looking for the next challenge. I don't want to become part of the furniture and stagnate.

I have a couple of clients I return to when they start up new projects or new phases of previously completed projects. They're part of my network and that's pretty much the point of contracting - get a good reputation and jobs will come to you.

[_V_]

Leave, take the money, you will need it with rising prices.

[Dagger]

Inside or outside? Remote, client based, hybrid? How long do you think the work will last for?

Other than the money, what else is the new gig offering you that could make it interesting? Did you enjoy working there before or are they a nightmare?

Personally, when I get to the comfy point you're at in your current gig that's the time when I get itchy feet and start looking for the next challenge. I don't want to become part of the furniture and stagnate.

I have a couple of clients I return to when they start up new projects or new phases of previously completed projects. They're part of my network and that's pretty much the point of contracting - get a good reputation and jobs will come to you.

I will be working 100% remotely from overseas so IR35 will not apply to me.

There is not much appeal to the new gig really barring the money and having very good relations with all the managers and senior staff.

Its pretty hectic and demanding at times depending on the project.

My biggest concern is that I would be leaving my current client in a very bad position as I'm leading the delivery is a pretty important project. I'm not usually one for burning bridges, but for that kind of money I think I could make exceptions.

[ladymuck]

I will be working 100% remotely from overseas so IR35 will not apply to me.

There is not much appeal to the new gig really barring the money and having very good relations with all the managers and senior staff.

Its pretty hectic and demanding at times depending on the project.

My biggest concern is that I would be leaving my current client in a very bad position as I'm leading the delivery is a pretty important project. I'm not usually one for burning bridges, but for that kind of money I think I could make exceptions.

My questions were more to prompt you to think about the wider aspects of each contract, not just the cash and working conditions. I don't need that information, you do.

It's not burning bridges if you leave in the right way. Be professional and courteous, offer a hand over period, etc etc. Don't mistake your investment in the project for the client's investment in you, as they will drop you with no qualms at all.

Ultimately you need to do what makes commercial sense for your business. That may/may not mean chasing the bigger bucks but should mean chasing opportunities that give you the exposure and experience to enable you to improve your service offering.

[Fraidycat]

The age old question. I'm torn and need some sense talked into me by you good folk here.

My current gig pays pretty mediocre compared to the current market rates at €500p/d. The work is pretty chilled and stress free compared to most other places I've been in.

One of my old clients in the UK are struggling to find staff and jist offered me a 100% remote contract at €850p/d. I wasn't planning on leaving my current gig but this is an obscene amount of money. The work is pretty hectic but I've worked there for a few years in the past so would be manageable, just would have a lot less spare time during the day.

Give me some words of wisdom.

No brainer really, especially if outside IR35 and both contracts are likely to run for the same amount of time.

It is 70% more, however in terms on your 'discretionary income' (what you end up with after paying all taxes and living expenses), it could be between 100% and 200% more, depending on how high your living costs are.

[psychocandy]

Hmmm lot more wedge....

Generally, I stay where I am if its a decent gig even if the rate is a bit more. I've had a few crap gigs now and am wary of leaving a good one I enjoy for a few extra quid for one that causes me grief....

But its a LOT more wedge....

I'd be tempted to see what current client could do to get anywhere near this though. Not going to hurt.

[TheDude]

Take the money.

[BigLadFromBeeston666]

Leave current gig on good terms, and take the more lucrative gig.

If it burns you out, the easier, less well-paying gig can be Plan B.

Give some thought to where you're at in your life in terms of drive, family, hunger to work long hours and so on. I had a family in recent years, so I place a greater emphasis on the time I can spend at home watching my children grow up.

[Dagger]

Leave current gig on good terms, and take the more lucrative gig.

If it burns you out, the easier, less well-paying gig can be Plan B.

Yes, i've decided this is the route I will go down.