2 Gigs Which One

[MobileCheese]

Dear Deidre,

I'm in the lucky position to have two contracts on the table, one is my current client and is a renewal for 6 months, the second is 12 months new client better money, latest technology. I only looked for the new contract when I didnt think I was getting renewed at current gig, but the same days I got offer from new client the renewal came through. Ive been at current gig couple of years.

On paper the new contract looks the best option 12months, better money etc however my current gig still appeals, I know the work, I can work from home a lot, and at the moment Im feeling pretty lazy and the stress of new gig / change just seems like hassle at the moment as Im pretty tired and really need a break. To be honest Im about 50/50, what ever decision I make, Im sure Im going to have some level of regret, on the one hand I will kick myself for being lazy and not taking the new gig and on the other hand if I do take new gig, I will constantly be thinking I could be chilling at home by now or I could be with my mates at client site (there a good bunch). But if I dont take it the new gig, I will be kicking myself as gigs like it dont come along often.

Not sure what to do

[Gonzo]

This is just my opinion but I would say move on to the new gig.

As a contractor I think that it is prudent to get the hang of moving on. Otherwise there is a danger that you will stay so long where you are that you become unemployable anywhere else.

I have worked places where some contractors have been there for years, they will struggle to get work anywhere else should they need to. Of course they may be content to milk that gig for as long as they can and then retire. It all depends on personal circumstances.

[TheFaQQer]

Take the new one, keep sharp - you've been in this one for too long already and have become too entrenched.

Move on and learn new skills.

[ChimpMaster]

Move on, learn new skills and keep on testing yourself. The day you stop testing yourself is the day you're finished.

I've been here 3 years and am almost unemployable anywhere else now. At 33 I feel like I need to go back to a £20k a year trainee job. The good news is that this contract has paid virtually all the mortgages on my 3 properties.

Like the man above said, you could stay there and milk it until you have enough to not care any more. However, if I had the choice, I would move and stay at the edge... a choice I never had in my field.

[Moose423956]

The grass is always greener on the other side of the hill.

But then again, better the devil you know.

HTH

[lukemg]

I think you should probably move, before the grass grows too long under your chair but in this position I would make the current client make the decision.
Tell current client you would love to stay but have had a really good offer to work elsewhere, make it clear you are in a quandry (tell them it's at current rate + £100 say), if necessary use the agent for this, your contract is with them after all, they will be bricking it over their commision and try to get the client to agree. Don't invite them to match it, you have already implied you want to stay.
If you get a handshake then you go to the new place, otherwise a pay bump might make you feel happy to stay = win/win.

[Fran]

Move on.

Not only will you expand your skills and experience but from what I've picked up you will be IR35 safer.

If you wanted a nice safe place to set down roots you'd be a permie

[robnjc]

..if I dont take it the new gig, I will be kicking myself as gigs like it dont come along often.

you've answered your own question..

[Bluebird]

Both..

[MobileCheese]

I took the new gig in the end