A good problem to have

[DotNetDeveloper]

I would be interested to gauge what people think about this from a long-term strategy point-of-view.

I have a direct gig lined up for the start of May. Its for 6+ months, typical web work, very laid back environment, no contract and sub-market rate. The company name is nothing special, but they seem to be doing well have plenty of work and several contractors that I got on well with during the interview.

I have just been told that I have also in pole position for a 2 month gig for one of the big pharmaceuticals. The contract is only for 2 months, but plenty of work and likely extensions according to the client. It is also about £80 - £100 more a day (depending what I get out of the pimp). This gig has not been signed off yet as it is going through all the layers of bureaucracy that the big corps like to entangle themselves in.

Say the second one gig comes back ready to go, what would be the best option in your humble opinions?

Bear in mind this will be my first contract. Is going for a big Pharma a better long term decision, will it open more doors later, look much better on the old CV? It pays more, but potentially for a shorter term so weighing up the pros and cons.

[Fred Bloggs]

If you have a war chest, take gig number 2. If you need to build a war chest, take gig number 1. HTH.

[cojak]

If you don't have a contract, how are you going to get paid??

[DotNetDeveloper]

If you don't have a contract, how are you going to get paid??

Sorry, no agency contract, so wont be forced to sign anything prior to starting. I'll force feed them a standard PCG contract.

[jim2406]

option number 1 IMO

will ease you into contracting, and they are the kind of contracts that can run on and on.

you can always negotiate a higher rate later on.

[d000hg]

If you don't have a contract, how are you going to get paid??

I know he already answered this, but working outside contract != not getting paid. You'd have to be unlucky, working with a 2-bit company in some unofficial manner. You don't sign a contract when a plumber comes to fit your new boiler but you still have to pay.

[The Wikir Man]

Number 1.

Contract might go for a while. No agency so can sort your own contract and payment terms. Good first gig as you are more likely to get a reference at the end of it.

[northernladuk]

2 month contract with big Pharma means nothing I am afraid. If I had a pound for everyone that said get in to xxxxxxxx and you are sorted for life. Replace xxxxxxx for Pharma, Banking, Telecoms etc

It's just bollocks. You are just as likely to get canned after your 2 monther there than anywhere if not more so. 2 months hardly gives you time to build a network and show your skills off.

Don't get me wrong it COULD pay off but don't sit on your laurels thinking Pharma is a cash cow cause it is as bad as anywhere.

Depends on your aversion to risk but right now (as long as this contract thing is sorted) I would be with option 1.

[DotNetDeveloper]

Thanks all, this is the kind of stuff I would rather learn from other's experiences than at my own expense.

Don't get me wrong it COULD pay off but don't sit on your laurels thinking Pharma is a cash cow cause it is as bad as anywhere.

Thanks, its good to hear, as this was what I was primarily unsure of. It makes my decision somewhat easier being slightly better informed now.

[northernladuk]

Thanks all, this is the kind of stuff I would rather learn from other's experiences than at my own expense.



Thanks, its good to hear, as this was what I was primarily unsure of. It makes my decision somewhat easier being slightly better informed now.

Just to add as well. When the adds say Pharma/Telecom/Banking experiece prefered etc 2 months isn't exactly going to set the agents world on fire either.