How Low Can You Go?

[dsc]

Have any of you ever considered, or even done, a regular long commute on an Inside IR35? When I say "long", I mean at least 1hr 30 mins one way .

I've done a circa 1.15hr one way for 3 months and bailed at the end. It just kills you in the long run (if you have a family especially), but back then I had the option to do something better paid and closer, so it was a no brainer. In the current market...I'd still consider it as it's still money. Still, you say "at least" 1.5hr, that's like 3.5-4hrs a day...not really commutable in my opinion. Perhaps rent a room locally and see if that makes any financial sense?

[TheDude]

I am considering an inside gig 25% lower than my previous role. It will more than keep the lights on, stop me burning through my warchest and hopefully the market will have picked up a bit by renewal time

[pjt]

I've done a circa 1.15hr one way for 3 months and bailed at the end. It just kills you in the long run (if you have a family especially), but back then I had the option to do something better paid and closer, so it was a no brainer. In the current market...I'd still consider it as it's still money. Still, you say "at least" 1.5hr, that's like 3.5-4hrs a day...not really commutable in my opinion. Perhaps rent a room locally and see if that makes any financial sense?

Years ago I did a gig where I was a 1 hour 45 minute communte each way twice a week and 3 days on site further away the rest of the week. The commute was brutal but I preferred it to the nights away as I had a young family at the time. Managed it for about 9 months and I think the only thing keeping me going was the fact the communite was better than staying away 4 nights a week. Thankfully since Covid I've mostly been WFH 99% of the time.

[hobnob]

Regarding the original question, I think there are 2 variations:

a) You make enough to pay your bills, but it's lower than you were on before, and you might have to postpone your holiday, renovations, etc. This can be sustained indefinitely.

b) You earn less than you spend, so this is a "slow puncture". It might mean that you can eke out your savings to last 6 months rather than 3 months, but eventually you will run out of money. I've considered that before (e.g. I was applying for pizza delivery jobs a couple of years ago), but there's a gamble: if you take on this new role, you might not be able to chat to recruitment agencies during the day or take time off for interviews.

[willendure]

I've considered that before (e.g. I was applying for pizza delivery jobs a couple of years ago), but there's a gamble: if you take on this new role, you might not be able to chat to recruitment agencies during the day or take time off for interviews.

Got an interview? Just chuck that pizza in the bin and head on over.

[dsc]

Years ago I did a gig where I was a 1 hour 45 minute communte each way twice a week and 3 days on site further away the rest of the week. The commute was brutal but I preferred it to the nights away as I had a young family at the time. Managed it for about 9 months and I think the only thing keeping me going was the fact the communite was better than staying away 4 nights a week. Thankfully since Covid I've mostly been WFH 99% of the time.

Damn that's a tulip mixture indeed, although perhaps gives you a bit of a breather from the commute? I was doing 1.15hr on average each way 5 days a week, it was also middle of summer, being stuck in traffic on the M25 / M4 was just killing me. So much wasted time and life...

[rocktronAMP]

Was this Sky in Osterley?!

[ladymuck]

Now that's pretty low!

http://www.jobserve.com/bDB9O

Program Manager
6-Month Contract
Location: London - 3 days onsite
Rate: £415 - £455 per day/inside IR35
Start & end date: 6th Jan - 29th August.

Ready to lead high-impact design projects at one of the world's most innovative tech companies?

Our client is seeking a Program Manager to support critical, cross-functional design initiatives. You'll collaborate with Design and Ops leaders to drive strategy, streamline processes, and deliver key projects that shape the future of their products. This is your chance to manage complex programs, foster collaboration, and make a real impact on a global scale.

What You'll Do:

• Lead and support high-priority design initiatives across teams.
• Develop project plans, coordinate virtual teams, and ensure smooth execution.
• Partner with leadership to align on goals and drive key decisions.
• Manage design sprints, reviews, and other fast-paced, impactful efforts.
• Optimize collaboration processes and improve team dynamics.
• Communicate progress, handle documentation, and track tasks.

What You Bring:

• 6+ years in program or project management (design/tech experience is a plus).
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to drive results.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and complex programs.
• Highly organized, proactive, and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Flexibility to work with teams across EMEA and the US.

[Ketto]

Got an interview? Just chuck that pizza in the bin and head on over.

”£800 a day is it? Well, of course i’m interested it’s just i’ve got a load of pepperoni passion and chicken tenders to deliver you see…”

[hobnob]

As a variation on the theme, I got an email from Hays this morning, offering a 2 month contract at £18.51/hour (inside IR35), which is about £140/day. That's above minimum wage (£11.44/hour), but still pretty low by contracting standards!

However, this line is interesting:
"We have just registered an Interim Field Service Engineer, which requires current SC Clearance or the ability to be SC Cleared. The project is starting in March, due to completing clearances."

It's unusual to see a contract that offers time in advance to apply for SC clearance, and the low rate might be worthwhile just to get that clearance, especially if it's only for 2 months.