I only want short term contrcts - is this achievable?

[moomoo]

I am only interested in short term java/j2ee contracts i.e. 1 day - few weeks. Id be happy if I only managed to get a contract now and again. Are there any agencies who advertise or specialize in short term contracts? Ive never seen any advertised.

[chef]

well surely the obvious easy way is to get your cv out there and refuse all offers unless they meet your criteria, I think you'll find that limiting yourself to a few days - a few weeks in the current climate is pretty picky but assuming you have the funds to work that lifestyle at the terrible rates offered then I can't see the it being a problem.

In my experience you don't get agencies that specialise in contract lengths, they're specialised in the market type and take all contracts they can get and fit thigns like length, rate, location with those on their books.

Be prepared for a loooong wait though if that's truly your plan.

[Fred Bloggs]

Good luck, you will not be bowled over. I have managed to land just one of those in the last seven years.

[alreadypacked]

In my experience the contract you are talking about is a follow on contract. You work on the main project and you get asked back to to some CR or up grades.

You could also look at training, work for a company that does developer training etc. You could wait weeks between jobs.

But what you discribe is not the standard contract, we are normally brought in for a project, that has a number of man days and a budget and a delivery timeline. All of which are usually smaller than required.

HTH

[northernladuk]

You are more likely to get work from the sites like peopleperhour.com where clients can put small pieced of work out to tender. I haven't even looked at the site as I am sure the rates are rubbish etc etc but its better than sitting on your bum waiting to land a 1 day contract with a proper client.

[d000hg]

You are more likely to get work from the sites like peopleperhour.com where clients can put small pieced of work out to tender.

Do this. Rates on average will be low but it varies depending on project and technology. e.g a billion Indians know Java, but far less know developing for any Apple platform so prices might be higher. For someone wanting to really freelance with maximum flexibility these sites are definitely worth it, though you're not going to easily get a rate of $50/hr or more... $30/hr (£20) is more likely unless you build up a reputation, which is quite possible because if you're any good you will be better than most Asian developers.

[moomoo]

Thanks all. Actually Ive been contracting for 10 years. I enjoy the first two weeks and then after that I start to go insane. In fact I begin to really hate it, chained to desk, bug fixing cr*p code while trying to work with an obnoxious, deliberately unhelpful jealous permie with a serious attitude problem - there's always one isn't there! Anyhow now I have other things on the go working for two weeks to pay for a holiday abroad would be very nice indeed but I don't think its possible. Oh well, nice idea though.

[swamp]

On most Java/J2EE projects it take a day to set up your first build. SVN access and email will usually take another week.

Just what are you going to do on a one day Java contract?!

[moomoo]

On most Java/J2EE projects it take a day to set up your first build. SVN access and email will usually take another week.

Just what are you going to do on a one day Java contract?!

Well in my last contract, when they were desperate for someone experienced to start asap and 'hit the ground running', I spent the first two weeks sitting at an empty desk without a computer, so I guess I could do that for a day or two

[d000hg]

So you just want to be a leech, taking money for no work?