Wish me luck!

[TykeMerc]

It's a brave move with the current financial climate, but if you've decided to do it then it's the right move for you.

I am concerned that you will get discouraged by the slow market and like Norrahe I hope you've got a good chunk of cash in the bank, with any luck you won't need it.

The election might well make a sizable difference.

[thunderlizard]

Good luck.

(I bet you weren't "headhunted" by the way...)

Don't be put off by people who say now isn't the time because of "the current economic climate". At your level individual ability and contacts are infinitely more important than macroeconomics. And anyway, there is no giant bell that will sound when it's time for everybody to set up in contracting. You just have to make the call. 8 months of cash will be easily enough for you to hold out for something decent for at least the first couple of months.

[lukemg]

Good luck, brave move, key is marketable skills and availability, we are certain you have one of these. Fortunately, there is an easy way to find out if you have the other one, get in the mix asap. I would take anything offered to get you up and running, you need the contract experience, I would put any contract work at current place down as a separate role on your CV too.
London helps + SE, got to be 50% of the UK contract market ? Have at least one eye on your next move too, it's easy to end up flogging a dead technology when the tide goes out and your skills are worth nowt.

[DotNetDeveloper]

Well chaps, I had my first interview yesterday.

I managed to arrange this one directly. I am happy to say that I got the contract right there and then. 6+ months, the rate is not amazing but its a CV builder in my opinion.

I am very fortunate to have no downtime between my permanent position and starting this gig.

Just a kind thanks to everyone who gave me sound advice. The journey starts here...now only to get my head around my tax responsibilities

[cojak]

Well Done!

[Platypus]

I had my first interview yesterday...I am happy to say that I got the contract right there and then.

Blimey! Very well done

[Fred Bloggs]

I'm impressed. Well done.

[Scrag Meister]

Congratulations, that is swift.

Nice relief for you.

[Sally BFCA]

Well chaps, I had my first interview yesterday.

I managed to arrange this one directly. I am happy to say that I got the contract right there and then. 6+ months, the rate is not amazing but its a CV builder in my opinion.

I am very fortunate to have no downtime between my permanent position and starting this gig.

Just a kind thanks to everyone who gave me sound advice. The journey starts here...now only to get my head around my tax responsibilities

Good luck!
If you are considering going down Limited Company route, I would have it incorporated and ready with bank account open and waiting, saves rushing if you secure a contact quickly. PAYE and VAT registrations can be done once you have a contract, not really any point beforehand as you have quarterly returns to make.

[Churchill]

Any words of wizdom would be greatly appreciated...

Wish me luck.

In London we spell it "Wisdom". Armed with that little gem you'll go far.