Can you take 3 months off every year?

[chef]

Yup, every year if possible.. have been 'on the bench' since the last contract ended late May, I've kept an eye on the job market and it's fairly good at the moment, i'm planning on re-organising early Sept and hopefully I should be in the next gig by mid Sept.

"Work to Live"

[Meerkat]

Worked with a guy who contracts in the summer and ski's in the alps all winter. Means that his yearly income was comparable to a bog standard permie job but also meant he spend nov - march every year doing what he loved! Didnt have any issues with getting gigs either.

[ChimpMaster]

This is hilarious!!!

Only because it's true... for most contractors.

[Lewis]

Be great to take 3 months off a year, but in reality do you think you can work 9 months with only bank holidays and sickness to give you a break?

For sure, I'd still have to take some breaks.

Sounds like it can be done then. My clients are usually investment banks and my fear is that they wouldn't take someone on if they could see they would only stay 9 monhts.

[jo99]

I usually like to take a break between contracts. Started out with the idea of working for 6 months and then taking 6 months off. Not quite how it has worked out. But I have taken breaks for up to 3 months. Perks of contracting......not had any problems with clients even when I have refused a renewal, they have asked me back later.

My work is project based so it is easy to do....

Trick is to not highlight your breaks .....and then no one notices them!