Market right now

[helenst]

Hi all

I'm looking for my first contract and just wondering how everybody's finding the market right now.

I went into this a couple of weeks ago thinking that businesses would be wanting contractors right now what with it being less commitment... now I am getting quite a few agents (including one very persuasive guy this morning) telling me that businesses can't afford contractors right now so there are far more permanent opportunities. I guess maybe it does work out cheaper if you can just make somebody redundant a couple of months down the line.

I've got 7 years permie programming experience plus two running own business and doing various freelance projects via Rentacoder, and I have immediate availability. I've put my CV forward for lots of suitable looking contracts over the last 2 weeks and had a few calls from agents, but nothing actually followed up with an interview. Does that sound like a typical experience right now?

Any advice appreciated, I'm just trying to weigh up my options here, I had it all figured out for contracting - a few months working, a few travelling, etc. but am not sure how realistic that is.

cheers
Helen

[Turion]

Is there a worst time to start contracting.

You should have stayed in your last job, or were you made redundant? Hope you have a big 'rainy day' fund.

PS: good luck

[swamp]

I went into this a couple of weeks ago thinking that businesses would be wanting contractors right now what with it being less commitment

The only contractors that businesses want are their existing ones. And they'll be ditched the moment they're no longer needed

[Ifrit]

I can't really offer you much advice, but can say I am also looking for a first contract. I have had a few calls and one interview so far but apart from that there isn't much going on.

[BlasterBates]

Hi all

I'm looking for my first contract and just wondering how everybody's finding the market right now.

I went into this a couple of weeks ago thinking that businesses would be wanting contractors right now what with it being less commitment... now I am getting quite a few agents (including one very persuasive guy this morning) telling me that businesses can't afford contractors right now so there are far more permanent opportunities. I guess maybe it does work out cheaper if you can just make somebody redundant a couple of months down the line.

I've got 7 years permie programming experience plus two running own business and doing various freelance projects via Rentacoder, and I have immediate availability. I've put my CV forward for lots of suitable looking contracts over the last 2 weeks and had a few calls from agents, but nothing actually followed up with an interview. Does that sound like a typical experience right now?

Any advice appreciated, I'm just trying to weigh up my options here, I had it all figured out for contracting - a few months working, a few travelling, etc. but am not sure how realistic that is.

cheers
Helen

Doesn't look good, which may be something to do with the worst economic downturn since WWII. You should take any job you can right now.

[Lewis]

It's a terrible time to be looking for contracts. In times like these you stay where you are and only move if absolutely necessary - even when forced to take rate cuts which is affecting a lot of us.

[norrahe]

a lot of contracts are now being canned to start in a couple of months

[rootsnall]

Keep plugging away, with a low rate, flexible location and immediate availability you'll get something. You can worry about getting something better once you are up and running.

[jim2406]

talk to everyone you have ever worked with to find out if there's anything happening - i'm assuming after 7 years you have a decent network of contacts?

you're more likely to find work through word of mouth than over-subscribed jobsites / agencies, i reckon.

good luck

[chef]

scary scary reading that you havent done research before jumping in with both feet but i'll try to be constructive..

assuming you don't get any work, how long can you live?
what area/field of work are you looking for?
are you prepared to travel?

the general fact is, most people with years and years of contract experience are struggling to find work right now in my area of expertise, therefore rates fall and ALL contracts are sought after from several companies/contractors, because of this overwhelming choice, companies can afford to be picky if they require work, therefore people with little to none contract experience are usually bottom of the list unless you are very niche market or have specialist skills

good luck, sincerely

and let us know when your succesful