Thinking about contracting - lots of questions

[DramaQueen]

I used to contract about 10 years ago and am thinking of going back to it again. Just weighing up the pros and cons as I can't take the number of Dilbert-like conversations I'm getting at the moment.

I'm a very experienced tester, but with experience comes ... age (and I just turned 50).
Is contracting a young person's game or is the world full of companies who don't care so long as you do the work? Is it better to go for the rewards and freedom of contracting or stick with the "security" of an employer?

I think the market seems to be ok these days, I just need to weigh up the pros and cons.

As a side issue - someone asked the other day what their chance of success would be as a former developer, if they retrained as a tester & got their ISEB in software testing. I know people who have done that but I couldn't really answer from experience. Maybe you guys know?

Thanks in advance,

DQ

[NickFitz]

I'm a very experienced tester, but with experience comes ... age (and I just turned 50).
Is contracting a young person's game or is the world full of companies who don't care so long as you do the work?

It's now supposed to be illegal to discriminate on grounds of age; as for what that's actually worth...

I found during the dotcom slump, having just turned forty, that work was very hard to come by, and I'm firmly convinced that a good part of that was due to age discrimination. However I haven't had any problems for the last few years. The real problem was getting the pimps to even consider putting you forward, due to their own ignorance and petty prejudice; but now you don't have to put your age or DoB on your CV, and they're not allowed to ask, which makes it easier. In my experience end clients couldn't give a damn about age; they're more interested in getting somebody who knows their stuff.

One very strange thing that was said to me about three years ago: the joint owner and managing director of a small company I was working at told me that he and his business partner felt uncomfortable giving me orders (I think he meant giving me a bollocking, actually) because I was ten years older than them. Well brought up chaps with respect for their elders, but such attitudes seem to be dying out now, so I probably won't have that problem so much in the future

[Sausage Surprise]

Never had a problem.


I'm 47

[BA to the Stars]

Been contracting for almost 4 years and only been on the bench for a couple of months in that time and I am 45, so age should not be a problem. A pal of mine has a similar track record in down time and he is in his 50's

[thunderlizard]

I reckon you'll be OK, especially in testing where a mature approach helps. During recessions and downturns, older people tend to suffer more, because companies can only afford juniors, that's all.

[Ruprect]

Blimey, this board is full of auld b4starts... makes me feel positively sprightly.

Off Topic: Sausage Surprise: best new handle I've seen in a long while

[Bluebird]

Zeitghost looks about 400 years old...

[Methuselah]

I've never had a problem with age discrimination, and I'm 969.

[Ardesco]

Zeitghost looks about 400 years old...

Which is quite an acheivement considering he is at least 800!!

[zathras]

I used to contract about 10 years ago and am thinking of going back to it again. Just weighing up the pros and cons as I can't take the number of Dilbert-like conversations I'm getting at the moment.

I'm a very experienced tester, but with experience comes ... age (and I just turned 50).
Is contracting a young person's game or is the world full of companies who don't care so long as you do the work? Is it better to go for the rewards and freedom of contracting or stick with the "security" of an employer?

I think the market seems to be ok these days, I just need to weigh up the pros and cons.

As a side issue - someone asked the other day what their chance of success would be as a former developer, if they retrained as a tester & got their ISEB in software testing. I know people who have done that but I couldn't really answer from experience. Maybe you guys know?

Thanks in advance,

DQ

You might want to have a read through the PCG Guide to Freelancing

Also if you are just starting out the PCG has PCG OneStop

PCG OneStop has been designed to help self-employed workers to set up a limited company quickly and easily, providing all of the resources required to ensure they comply with legislation and tax requirements.

The new service offers a choice of packages, OneStop Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, enabling freelancers to choose the level of support which best suits their needs.

All four packages include PCG Standard Single membership, providing tax and legal helplines, draft contracts, limited company formation and support, and insurance to cover any tax disputes with HMRC.

Freelancers can then choose whether to take one of the more comprehensive packages, which include extras such as accountancy advice, a review of client contracts, accountancy services, full book-keeping and VAT service, as well as professional indemnity insurance.

Also if you do not feel up to running a limited company there is PCG QU

There is no point in going to a Managed Service Provider and avoid those who say they have a dispensation and you can claim oodles of expenses to improve your take home - you can't, there is a word for this - fraud.