First Ever Contract.......scared.....

[chef]

Your second one was patronising and sarcastic in the extreme and not appreciated.

It's a bad habit I know but it makes me smile sometimes..

[Rivendell]

chef - ok, in all seriousness, I appreciate the advice and I can better appreciate some of the factors I had not given due attention to - so thanks for taking the time to reply. I'm going to need the people on here in the next few months if I take the plunge.

[chef]

chef - ok, in all seriousness, I appreciate the advice and I can better appreciate some of the factors I had not given due attention to - so thanks for taking the time to reply. I'm going to need the people on here in the next few months if I take the plunge.

not a problem, the thicker skin is developing already I see, you'll get on well here, welcome

[neebz]

Rivendall,

With respect, can you let me know how were you even able to get a contract? Because the agencies are taking me for quite a ride

[Wanderer]

I don't particularly think I'm happier on £400/day than I was on £27k a couple of years back. A bit, perhaps, mainly since we are living someplace nice now, but it's not a major deal.

Would you be just as happy if you went back to 27k??

[Wanderer]

Chef's Advice for Newbie Contractor Wannabe's
6th tip - learn to grow a thick skin, you'll need it

I think that one should have been number one...

That's a great post though, one to cut out and keep.

[northernrampage]

Rivendell, I went contracting with no money saved and as a fairly new contractor because I had no choice. I had a career break, and getting a permanent job that was okay just wasn't happening. I did have one contract before the break, but with the couple I've had this year it makes a grand total of three (or 4 if you count a three dayer where things went badly wrong), so quite new.

It is difficult. I can't really go back to permie to get rid of the debts without worrying about my next contract as the market sucks in that area for me at the moment. Employers can pick and choose for the perfect fit.

I do get agents interested for some contracts as I have some experience but if I had more money it would definitely make it all a bit easier.

And the thick skin bit is true. I've only just developed it. So far this year I've had an agent tell me that I had a permanent job (when I hadn't, it was holiday cover for a trial period) been told twice to leave the next day (as work dried up/someone came back as they couldn't fly abroad because of the volcanic ash). One of those times I did get called back and I've been on an ongoing contract so that's good, but I've just learnt to not take it personally. If you can be thick-skinned from the off it makes it easier.

My contract finishes in a few weeks for definite, I went for a permanent job as an agent found me on their database, and it was somewhere I wanted to work.. I didn't get it, but for once I felt relieved. I've suddenly realised I can't go back to permanent anymore, it does fill me with dread...I can't think why... something to do with being tied to one place... but with some back-up money it would be easier. So as others say, try and get some. It may also mean you could enjoy some time-off.
Good luck with it.

And thanks to everyone else on here for their tips and guides that I should have read earlier this year. Might as well do that now

[ItsQuickerAntiClockwise]

God it aint all doom and gloom people. Two months ago I finished one contract on a Monday and walked into my next one on Tuesday. Ive never had more than 5 days in between contracts.

Just saying .......

[d000hg]

[QUOTE=Scrag Meister;1198072]WHAT!!!!??? That is so crap d000hg.

Its contracting that pays for the enhanced lifestyle and your nice house.

If I had still been perm, I wouldn't...
1. Be living in a nice house in London AND still have my house in Devon cos I paid the mortage off.
Who cares? As long as it's a house in a neighborhood you don't get rocks thrown at your windows...

2. I wouldn't be driving a Nissan 350Z, major grin factor
Who cares? It's just a toy.

3. I wouldn't have bought the wife a new motor.
Who cares?

4. My wedding in June would have been no where near as good as it turned out to be.
Who cares? Our entire wedding cost £1500 but many of the people who came tell us it's one of the nicest they were at - people pitching in to help, a feeling of community.

5. I wouldn't have honeymoon'd in Hawaii
Who cares? How much difference does it make long-term? You're saying your first few weeks with the person you love wouldn't have been good if you'd been somewhere less glamorous?

6. I wouldn't be able to pop over and see family in Denmark at a whim.
Fair enough

7. I wouldn't be able to assist my kids with things they need.
Fair enough, in fact good for you.

8. Be taking spontaneous weekends away on the motorbikes.
I can go for a spontaneous weekend for £100, it's about the person I'm with not posh cars and hotels

Would you be just as happy if you went back to 27k??

If my wife was also working, sure. As long as we've food and a roof and each other, the rest is a bonus, not the thing that makes life worth living.

From reading CUK, people here are no happier on average than those with normal jobs. Whinging, divorces, etc.

[ItsQuickerAntiClockwise]

[QUOTE=d000hg;1199553]

From reading CUK, people here are no happier on average than those with normal jobs. Whinging, divorces, etc.

Id rather put up with whinging whilst surrounded by expensive toys.

Just saying .......