Wish me luck!

[DotNetDeveloper]

I was going to move into contracting back in 2007, but I was headhunted for another permie position and so luckily rode out the worst of the recession with them.

Recently I had set myself a plan of things to do prior to making the leap into contracting this year. All the usual things such as setting up a limited company, getting PCG membership w/ all the insurances, website / business cards etc...

Then I decided that these, whilst are all good practice, were merely excuses for procrastinating the eventual move. I basically had to grow a large pair and bite the bullet. Last Thursday I resigned from my permie job with nothing lined up or business setup. I figured resigning first and setting up the contracting business retrospectively would give me the incentive I needed to actually get this thing going. There is plenty of time to do everything I need and I have around 8 months money to live on due to my low cost of living.

Also a plus is that I am on good terms with my employer and may even tag on a month's contract at the end just to finish off some outstanding work (im sure IR35 will have something to say about this). They have even discussed arrangements for regular contract work with them in the future.

Its very hard falling without any safety net, but it all comes down to managed risk in my opinion, oh and having the guts to just do it.

Its going to make for an exciting year!

Any words of wizdom would be greatly appreciated...

Wish me luck.

[moorfield]

I basically had to grow a large pair and bite the bullet.

Any words of wizdom would be greatly appreciated...

Yes. I think you grew the wrong pair.

[DotNetDeveloper]

Constructive. Much appreciated.

[Clippy]

Where are you based?

[DotNetDeveloper]

Hey Clippy, I am based in London.

[norrahe]

I hope you have got one hell of a warchest.

I wold advise waiting till after the election before you do anything silly, as people are holding their cards close to their chests atm and are reticient to start taking on board anyone till they know what's what.

[worzelGummidge]

I would not make the jump before the market recovers - whenever that may be. I would search for the type of contractor that interest me and try and improve on my technical or other skills while waiting for the recovery.
This wait of course could be a long or short time period.

or

Make the jump and either

or

will happen.

[Wanderer]

Any words of wizdom would be greatly appreciated...

You won't find much of that here!

I'm sure you won't have a problem finding a contract, but I would have got one before I jacked in the permie job. Oooh, wait! Here comes one now.

Good luck though, you sound like you are tough enough to handle it.

[DotNetDeveloper]

Getting a contract prior to handing in my resignation would have eased my mind a little, naturally. But I could never leave before my notice and would not jeopardise my professional relationship with my current employer.

I am on very good terms with my current employer thankfully, I will probably serve my notice and continue to work there whilst I find a contract as they have work for me to do.

Thanks for the words, Wanderer.

[DimPrawn]

You are in London and do .NET.

You are laughing mate. The finance sector is on fire, you'll have a contract in no time.

Good luck! Here comes £700/day for the next decade or so!