Semi retirement

[Winger]

It always bugs me how Agents often as "when did your last contract finish?". What difference should it make if the answer is "yesterday" or "six months ago" ?

Do Agents/retruitment managers think badly of contractors who've been on the bench for a while? Surely someone who's well rested is better placed to provide a good service?

I ask because my plan is to semi retire by working one contract a year ie six months in a contract, six months for time to do other things.

But is this feasible? Or are the gaps on my CV going to be too restrictive?

Any thoughts? Anyone semi-retired in this way? Any tips?

[nomadd]

It always bugs me how Agents often as "when did your last contract finish?". What difference should it make if the answer is "yesterday" or "six months ago" ?

Do Agents/retruitment managers think badly of contractors who've been on the bench for a while? Surely someone who's well rested is better placed to provide a good service?

I ask because my plan is to semi retire by working one contract a year ie six months in a contract, six months for time to do other things.

But is this feasible? Or are the gaps on my CV going to be too restrictive?

Any thoughts? Anyone semi-retired in this way? Any tips?

Nope, no problem. I've been doing just this for the last 5 years. Mind you, the break last year ended up being nearly 8 months as the market was so bad.

Still, if you've saved hard enough and have a decent nest egg, go for it. I feel much more sane today than I have done in 20 years (although maybe that's a sign of insanity...?)

Gaps on CV haven't been a problem. Although I only put down the year, not month, of contract start/end; a good tip I found on this forum. At interviews, most clients don't give a damn about gaps. Still, agent's might, hence why I don't show the gaps or mention it to them. I always mention in to clients, but only if they ask about specific dates.

One thing I would mention is that of not looking to "walk" after six months. If I'm on a decent contract, I'll stick with it until the project is delivered, then take a break. It's extra cash in the warchest and doesn't pee off the client or agency. My current role is a prime example: decent project with decent people, but I was only looking for 6 months; PM says it will go on for a year, so I've agreed to stick with it. In other words, try and be flexible, rather than stick to a 6 month on/off rule.

I plan to work the next 10-20 years this way.

Just my two cents.

[lukemg]

I have been working like this as well, just not by choice !!

[Clippy]

Nope, no problem. I've been doing just this for the last 5 years. Mind you, the break last year ended up being nearly 8 months as the market was so bad.

Still, if you've saved hard enough and have a decent nest egg, go for it. I feel much more sane today than I have done in 20 years (although maybe that's a sign of insanity...?)

Gaps on CV haven't been a problem. Although I only put down the year, not month, of contract start/end; a good tip I found on this forum. At interviews, most clients don't give a damn about gaps. Still, agent's might, hence why I don't show the gaps or mention it to them. I always mention in to clients, but only if they ask about specific dates.

One thing I would mention is that of not looking to "walk" after six months. If I'm on a decent contract, I'll stick with it until the project is delivered, then take a break. It's extra cash in the warchest and doesn't pee off the client or agency. My current role is a prime example: decent project with decent people, but I was only looking for 6 months; PM says it will go on for a year, so I've agreed to stick with it. In other words, try and be flexible, rather than stick to a 6 month on/off rule.

I plan to work the next 10-20 years this way.

Just my two cents.

Nomadd, how old are you (if you don't mind me asking)?

[Brussels Slumdog]

Semi retired but in good health

I thought that the whole idea of being a contractor is that you can work when ,where and for how long.
I would like to keep on working if possible until I drop but not 12 months a year, so 3 months a year
or only very short contracts at 75 would be great. I might have a problem explaning to the agents that the months not spent working were not spent recovering in hospital.
I can understanding that someone who has been driving a bus full time from the age of 18 needs to retire at
65 but IT has not exactly worn me out.

[efresh]

Me i don't work anymore, i just manage my portfolios and live of it....

[nomadd]

Nomadd, how old are you (if you don't mind me asking)?

46. But I've been contracting since my mid-20s.