Should I stay or should I go?

[leeperry]

Apologies if this is already covered in the Market picking up thread but I could do with a bit of advice.

I'm contracting at a client for a bit over a year and they've offered my a permie role when my contract finishes, It's a take it or leave it offer, they realise they need someone permanent.

Now I would rather stay contracting, I've got reasonably good skills, around five years exp in the financial sector in the city but it is a nice company, decent enough salary, nice people to work with etc, The reason I am considering it is because of the market - anyone got any advice/pointers?. It's the first time I've been through a recesssion as a freelancer.

[pmeswani]

Apologies if this is already covered in the Market picking up thread but I could do with a bit of advice.

I'm contracting at a client for a bit over a year and they've offered my a permie role when my contract finishes, It's a take it or leave it offer, they realise they need someone permanent.

Now I would rather stay contracting, I've got reasonably good skills, around five years exp in the financial sector in the city but it is a nice company, decent enough salary, nice people to work with etc, The reason I am considering it is because of the market - anyone got any advice/pointers?. It's the first time I've been through a recesssion as a freelancer.

I think you have already answered your own question. If you are serious about staying in Contracting, start looking for roles on Jobserve and other Job boards and also apply to any of your contacts.

If you are keen for job stability until the market picks up, take the permie role and keep an eye out on the job boards.

[ChimpMaster]

Depends how much they're paying too shirley

[Mehmeh]

Take it, and keep looking on jobserve for a juicy contract!

You will most probably have 1 week notice for the first 3 months on the permie contract. So you can always hand notice to jump onto the good ship SS Contract!

All aboard!

[Not So Wise]

Depends if you feel if you need a "safe port" during the current storm.

If you feel you will be demand enough then venture out and reap the rewards given to successful risk takers, if not play it safe and stay where you are. Only you can assess the demand for your skills/experience in today's market

Though my general experience is if you even need to ask this type of question you already know the answer and it's not the risky option

[MrNoMotivation]

What are you all on about. Never go permie. I prefer earning less as a contractor then going permie and having all the grief.
Otherwise you'll end up staying permie until you retire.
Trust me things are picking up.

[NickNick]

Seem to be a lot of Finance vaccancies in the Bristol area at the moment. Especially BA roles on 450-650 a day.

My 2p worth is take the role if you can't find another to walk into.

[leeperry]

Though my general experience is if you even need to ask this type of question you already know the answer and it's not the risky option

Like I said, this is my first recession as a freelancer so it is a wee bit intimidating.

Prehaps my question should be: Is the market in such a state that a reasonabley will qualifed contractor should jump into a safe haven when offered?

[BrilloPad]

Like I said, this is my first recession as a freelancer so it is a wee bit intimidating.

Prehaps my question should be: Is the market in such a state that a reasonabley will qualifed contractor should jump into a safe haven when offered?

It all depends on your skills/sector. What are they?

Have you tried contacting a few agents?

[stingman123]

No such thing as a permie role any more....they can still sack you with a month's notice