For the people that went permanent in the recent past - how is it going?

[Dark Black]

Currently have a permie offer for a hybrid role from a previous client (a few contracts back) on an OK-ish salary (reasonable overall package though), and another offer for a fully remote, Inside contract on a poor rate (as in less than my usual Outside rate).

What I don't have is the third, preferred option of a decent Outside contract .

I don't really want to go back permie (it's been 15+ years) but it seems like the best option of the two currently. Trying to make up my mind which to accept. War chest is seriously depleted now so don't have the option to wait around for a decent "proper" contract.

[JoJoGabor]

I went permie in January 2020, it saw me through the pandemic which was lucky. I got to June 2021 and got sick of just scraping by each month, not being able to afford meals out with the family etc, and couldnt take it anymore and went back contracting. First contract was ace, no work to do, current contract is well paid but awfully political, have a nice cushy little second contract on the side doing a few days a month which pays nicely. I dont think I will ever go back permie, I just need to find the right contracts to keep me happy, which as I get older involve less politics and arguing with people

[PCTNN]

just scraping by each month, not being able to afford meals out with the family etc

Couldn't afford meals out? Since you're not working there anymore could you share what salary you were on?

[simplicity]

Went permie in March 2020. bonus of 30%. 30 days holiday, decent training allowance, healthcare for the family…but the forced away days, dull weekly one to ones and slow pace are getting me down. The politics of promotion are tiring and basically you get promoted if you are liked by the right people.

Even though salary is decent at over £5k a month I can’t eat out as I used to or go on as many holidays as I’m main breadwinner. If it wasn’t for the 3 month notice I would be gone.

[hugebrain]

salary is decent at over £5k a month

Yikes! Has it really got this bad?

I miss the old days.

[JoJoGabor]

Couldn't afford meals out? Since you're not working there anymore could you share what salary you were on?

I was on a decent salary, £92500 plus the promised (up to 25% bonus) which ended up being a 10% bonus. I guess my outgoings are high, having taken out a big mortgage during contracting days with high council tax etc. But now on £800/day inside plus a little outside IR35 contract on the side also at £800/day, the take home pay is much higher

[PCTNN]

I can't help but feeling lucky that I don't have an expensive lifestyle and my expenses aren't so high I can't afford meals out or holidays.

I guess it's all about location and therefore mortgage expenses.

Here where I am (countryside in the outskirts of Edinburgh) I make less than the 92k a year mentioned here, and yet I have enough money to cover the mortgage of my 4 bed detached house and all my expenses (mainly bikes and meals out, no other fancy hobbies). I'm even considering going down to 4 days a week in a few months so I'll be able to spend time with family, help out my partner with the kid and in general enjoy my time on earth a little bit more.

What do you guys spend money on? Is it just the mortgage/kids or do you have fancy hobbies and expensive taste?

[BlueSharp]

I can't help but feeling lucky that I don't have an expensive lifestyle and my expenses aren't so high I can't afford meals out or holidays.

I guess it's all about location and therefore mortgage expenses.

Here where I am (countryside in the outskirts of Edinburgh) I make less than the 92k a year mentioned here, and yet I have enough money to cover the mortgage of my 4 bed detached house and all my expenses (mainly bikes and meals out, no other fancy hobbies). I'm even considering going down to 4 days a week in a few months so I'll be able to spend time with family, help out my partner with the kid and in general enjoy my time on earth a little bit more.

What do you guys spend money on? Is it just the mortgage/kids or do you have fancy hobbies and expensive taste?

2 x private school fees is where my cash is going at the moment.

[TheDude]

I was on a decent salary, £92500 plus the promised (up to 25% bonus) which ended up being a 10% bonus. I guess my outgoings are high, having taken out a big mortgage during contracting days with high council tax etc. But now on £800/day inside plus a little outside IR35 contract on the side also at £800/day, the take home pay is much higher

£92500 permie to £800 inside/outside is quite a jump.

[TheDude]

2 x private school fees is where my cash is going at the moment.

Kids didn't get into the grammar?