Taking two months break for software product development

[Ashwin2007]

The way the market is now.. Rates are low.

I am thinking of taking two months break for a software product development. This way I can apply the latest technologies in my product, and learn some advanced skills.

Has anyone done this before? Please share your experience.

If I apply in January again, would this two months break be looked down by the Agents?

[SueEllen]

The point of being a contractor is that you can take holidays when you feel like.

Now is a slow time of year so if you are not in a contract you are unlikely (it's not impossible though*) to get one.

As long as you are happy to say when an agent asks what you are doing then it's not a problem.

Most clients don't give a damn where you have been for 2 months and don't ask. Those that do are happy as long as you can get someone in a well regarded profession i.e. lawyer, doctor to give you a personal reference or have travel documents.

*So far the only months of the year I've not started contracts in yet are May and June.

[oracleslave]

The way the market is now.. Rates are low.

I am thinking of taking two months break for a software product development. This way I can apply the latest technologies in my product, and learn some advanced skills.

Has anyone done this before? Please share your experience.

If I apply in January again, would this two months break be looked down by the Agents?

Are you going to build a search engine? A google destroyer? Do you like squirrels?

[BlasterBates]

If no contract available, it's the next best thing. I find clients look favourably on updating or extending your skillset. I was applying for contracts on the basis of "I read a book about it" and was getting interviews.

[thunderlizard]

Has anyone done this before? Please share your experience.

Yes - I got really into it and my planned 4 months turned into 14 . It's a mixed blessing on the CV - it's the bit with the most impressive technologies and gives me the most to talk about, but it is quite far away from my usual industry.

[Wanderer]

I am thinking of taking two months break for a software product development. This way I can apply the latest technologies in my product, and learn some advanced skills. If I apply in January again, would this two months break be looked down by the Agents?

Two months? What on earth are you worried about? Do what you want to do and put it on your CV as developing your skills. You're a contractor now, not a permie so you can run your business however the hell you like.

[d000hg]

Yes - I got really into it and my planned 4 months turned into 14 .

After 14 months one would hope you'd have something to show for it?

[thunderlizard]

One would, and after several months came the realisation that I had to finish the project and get it visible however long it took, or else I'd just be left with a suspicious CV gap.

[d000hg]

Did it end up as any kind of plan B, or simply something to show?

[MarillionFan]

Take the time off to retrain or develop your own software. You can put your time down (legit) against your own LTD. It really doesn't matter.