Returning to perm is almost impossible

[expat]

Fair enough but this is included in the (not-so-big anymore) higher nominal rate you can charge as a contractor. The rate should cover all this. But covering costs does not mean making a profit obviously.

When times are good and contract rates are way above the average (as it used to be for most of us in the 2000s years and for only very few people with niche-skills nowadays) it is a no-brain decision to go for contracting, otherwise I just call it an even decision and mostly dependant on life-style choices.

I agree with you completely, especially the first point about the rate. Contract rates are seemingly high for a reason: they have to cover a lot more than a salary does. Anyone jumping into contracting (or staying in it) should be aware of this, and others especially agents who think that some of the rates on offer these days are still good rates need to feel a ruler across the back of their hand.

[Babbage]

Well I am thinking about permiedom, 12 years of contracting, longest contract 3.5 years, all quite varied roles, but that seems to be working badly against me this time around.
I have had 6 months on the bench, the warchest is still ok, but no interviews, and none in site, no confidence in the economy bouncing back soon. I just hope that the length of some of the contracts makes it acceptable to the HR types...

[gingerjedi]

Well I am thinking about permiedom, 12 years of contracting, longest contract 3.5 years, all quite varied roles, but that seems to be working badly against me this time around.
I have had 6 months on the bench, the warchest is still ok, but no interviews, and none in site, no confidence in the economy bouncing back soon. I just hope that the length of some of the contracts makes it acceptable to the HR types...

Good luck with that!

I don't want to dent your confidence but IME employers are extremely wary of contractors looking for 'a port in a storm'.

I was interviewed for permy role and like you I've got some long contracts on my CV, when the interviewer realised that these weren't permy positions the interview was effectively over. I would love a perm position at the moment if only to keep my family together as the stress is unbearable at the moment.

[The Wikir Man]

Well I am thinking about permiedom, 12 years of contracting, longest contract 3.5 years, all quite varied roles, but that seems to be working badly against me this time around.
I have had 6 months on the bench, the warchest is still ok, but no interviews, and none in site, no confidence in the economy bouncing back soon. I just hope that the length of some of the contracts makes it acceptable to the HR types...

Be prepared to get the question "why do you want to move back to a permie role?"

That's assuming you get to the interview stage, which is by no means guaranteed these days. Clients are wary of contractors jumping back when the times are tough, because they think you will be off like a shot as soon as the better times return.

Guy I know left permie to contract a few years back. One client 2.5 years. Panicked because he couldn't find another contract, so went permie. 3 months into it, left to go contracting.

[Babbage]

I know it will be hard to get the interview, but a few roles near me seem interesting enough to keep me there a while. I would not jump for just any role.

[Mustang]

Good luck with that!

I don't want to dent your confidence but IME employers are extremely wary of contractors looking for 'a port in a storm'.

I would love a perm position at the moment if only to keep my family together as the stress is unbearable at the moment.

I can relate to that!! *sigh*

[dx4100]

If you have a number of long contracts just don't mention the word "contractor" ?

[Redcar]

A recruitment agency contacted me about a job and asked how much it would take me to switch to permie.

I think my off-the-top of my head response of "80k" put me out of the market.

[AngelOfTheNorth]

I would love a perm position at the moment if only to keep my family together as the stress is unbearable at the moment.

Your answer makes me sad.

[The Wikir Man]

A recruitment agency contacted me about a job and asked how much it would take me to switch to permie.

I think my off-the-top of my head response of "80k" put me out of the market.

In Redcar, 80k would put you a LONG way out of every market!