permies keep asking me my rent

[Going Strong]

I often shy away from such questions and divert my attention elsewhere.

Its always hardwork talking rates etc.

[lukemg]

Always a tricky one this. The perms are sometimes trying to score points but often thinking of possible opportunities for themselves.
Most people have a rough idea these days. If really pressed by someone I get along with, then I will say look, there is a premium for going contract but I will then explain the bit you don't see in the brochure - finding work, agents, accounts, IR35, benchtime, pension provision, skill expiry, working away, risks etc. I will advise them to test the water if they are that keen - send a few CV's out.
There are few who will give up a decent gig to take their chances, most have to be pushed like most of us were.

[MaryPoppins]

Always a tricky one this. The perms are sometimes trying to score points but often thinking of possible opportunities for themselves.
Most people have a rough idea these days. If really pressed by someone I get along with, then I will say look, there is a premium for going contract but I will then explain the bit you don't see in the brochure - finding work, agents, accounts, IR35, benchtime, pension provision, skill expiry, working away, risks etc. I will advise them to test the water if they are that keen - send a few CV's out.
There are few who will give up a decent gig to take their chances, most have to be pushed like most of us were.

I used to do that. I don't anymore - I wasn't spoonfed all the answers, and I can't be arsed explaining it all to some comfy permie who will only decide "oh it all sounds too much hassle" anyway.

As for anyone daring to ask me such personal questions, I'd tell them to eff off.

HTH.

[h8mmer]

I used to do that. I don't anymore - I wasn't spoonfed all the answers, and I can't be arsed explaining it all to some comfy permie who will only decide "oh it all sounds too much hassle" anyway.

As for anyone daring to ask me such personal questions, I'd tell them to eff off.

HTH.

From another perspective.... I had exactly that convo with a contractor at my last 'comfy' permie job.
Getting some good answers helped finally make my mind up to join the dark side.

[MaryPoppins]

From another perspective.... I had exactly that convo with a contractor at my last 'comfy' permie job.
Getting some good answers helped finally make my mind up to join the dark side.

You're the exception to the rule then...I don't really bother anymore as I am not as nice as I once was, and the less competition for roles these days, the better.

Not that many permies would be much competition, frankly.

[h8mmer]

You're the exception to the rule then...I don't really bother anymore as I am not as nice as I once was, and the less competition for roles these days, the better.

Not that many permies would be much competition, frankly.

...I'm still looking for the streets lined with gold he was talking about....the lying ##@T

[Scrag Meister]

Point them to itjobswatch, that gives approximate average rates for certain job specs for perm and contract.

Useful when renewals come around.

[MarillionFan]

I used to be open to giving permies as much info/help as possible. I've probably helped about a dozen people into contracting over the years (there are three of them on CUK - you know who you are!)

But these days I tend to try and put people off.

[darrenb]

He's a difficult guy to put off because he appears friendly. But he was also saying bad things about the company, and sort of egging me on to do the same. Ever come across that situation?

Maybe I should just be grateful that someone who works for the client is comfortable with sharing such confidences with a contractor like myself.

[cojak]

He's a difficult guy to put off because he appears friendly. But he was also saying bad things about the company, and sort of egging me on to do the same. Ever come across that situation?

Maybe I should just be grateful that someone who works for the client is comfortable with sharing such confidences with a contractor like myself.

Good grief, are you really that naive??

Smile vaguely and be pleasantly neutral. And don't turn your back on him...

He is not your friend - the guy sounds like a snake who is doing a bit of 'research' for his own purposes.

And those purposes won't be to your benefit.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agent_provocateur

If you haven't already twigged...