Moving from Permie to Contractor

**eg73** · 17 February 2011, 20:46

Permie to Contractor

Hi,
Just starting to make the move from Permie to Contractor but find it difficult as the agents are not really interested when I say I have a five week notice period.
I think I can get out of this period due to my current employer being in breach of contract but this would be a final choice and only used if really necessary.

My question is how did you make the move from Permie to Contractor ? Did you end up leaving your Permie role before finding a contract

**cojak** · 17 February 2011, 21:35

Hi Guys,

I've merged the 2 threads as they're the same.

You've now reached the contractor crunch point. I had to give 3 months notice on my last permie job.

I didn't find a contract for 2 months after my last day. Others found a contract in their last week.

It's all about the contractor mindset. You have to face losing your contract tomorrow if the client decides to bin the project. It depends on your savings and cojones.

**stek** · 17 February 2011, 22:01

I find if your skillset is niche or SME, they will wait, not 5/6 weeks, but 4 or 3 if you can use up your leave.

I'm was a contractor since 1992, now in permie role for 8 months, took it to feed the kids after a dearth of roles for me, but I've just started to look to get out - EU first as a goal, but so naffed off with permiedom I'm looking UK too now.

To that end I've had no problems with 4 weeks notice, client is willing to wait. Proof is in the pudding though!

**nomadd** · 17 February 2011, 22:18

Originally posted by desnik View Post

Hi everyone,

I am thinking of moving from permie to contractor. I am currenlty based in Edinburgh on permanent basis and aiming to move to London and start contracting.

I am Java/J2EE developer with 5+ years experience, agile develpment, TDD, Web Services, Struts. Currently working as a Lead developer on iterfaces project.

So I am wandering what chances for contract work I am having in London and rate I could get with my profile?

What would be the best way to make the transition? Start looking while still employed (assuming I am having 2 months notice period). Or just quit the job, move to London and apply for the contract offers? Not sure how long it may take to get a contract.

Could anyone advice?

Thanks

Martin

Lots of competition out there, especially in the J2EE market. I left my last permie role in 1989. Started looking for a contract, and found one, but they only said I could have it if I could be there 2 weeks max. I handed in my notice at my permie job, telling them I would finish the piece of work I was doing, and I'd be out the door in two weeks. IT Director not happy at all, but I was so set on being a contractor I didn't give a sh...

Do NOT underestimate how expensive living in London can be. I'm lucky that I rent a nice place real cheap, as I've known the guy who owns it for years. You won't be so lucky. I'd say get a role in Edinburgh first, build up your experience, and build up your warchest. As the folks round here will tell you, you ALWAYS need a warchest.

Just my two cents.

**PropertyCrashUK** · 17 February 2011, 22:54

The contract market seems very dire at the moment save for the banks in docklands.

This March/April will tell us whether the year will be good or not.

I have known permies to get contracts and basically stick two fingers up to their permie employers even if they had had to give up to 12 weeks notice. I do not know of one yet that has been sued by their former permie employer but I suppose it is possible?

**ChrisPackit** · 18 February 2011, 08:30

I think everyone has different circumstances when they are permie in regards to notice period and how they go about the transition.

The ideal way to cross over, like I did, was get to know some contractors and get them to find you your first role. I worked for a software house, handed my notice in on Monday and basically said "you'll get no work out of me anyway" so let me go without a fuss. They then let me go on the Friday, to start the following Monday in a contract. When you've got your first contract under you belt, the next ones will come much easier.

Like other people have said about the move to London, I can't speak for Java specifically, but there seems to be plenty of work advertised in Edinburgh with the likes of RBS, Tesco etc, so I would be tempted to stay local until you're comfortable to make the jump to the city.

**Freamon** · 18 February 2011, 08:57

Should be plenty of contracts in Edinburgh for Tesco Bank, given they are pretty much building a bank from scratch.

**ChimpMaster** · 18 February 2011, 09:51

I heard from a colleague that RBS in London have let 100s of contractors and permies go just this week.

They must have run out of that magical free money stuff.

**meanttobeworking** · 18 February 2011, 11:02

Work your contacts if you have any - i got my first contract from a personal recommendation, no application process, no interview, just called them on a wednesday and started on a thursday. Been there 10 months now.

Oh, and make sure you know your onions when it comes to Ltd vs. Umbrella, and all that...

Moving from Permie to Contractor