The Bench, and panic

[curtis]

Having a decent war chest obviously helps but I have found on the few times I have been off that even with a decent war chest that will last me quite a while I still can't relax 100% as although I know I will get another job there is always that question 'When'.

If I'm off for say 2 months I may still be fine money wise for quite a while longer yet but I will find I start to fret a bit as at the back of my mind I'm thinking 'what if this is the situation in another 2 months and what if then for another'

I try not to but these feelings I find sneak in after a while of being off.

[jmo21]

Yup I could go on for a month or so longer, but the lack of productivity and boredom is not fun!

I could afford a lower rate, but worried that would harm my marketability for the next one when the agents ask "what was your last rate". Urgh!

I agree with the others. Lie.

Much better having no (or less) bench time on your CV.

[JamJarST]

I agree with the others. Lie.

Much better having no (or less) bench time on your CV.

I agree with jmo and others, take the work and tell the agent the rate you want.

[quackhandle]

After my very first contract at M$ (and I use an M$ product) I thought I was super employable; then I could't get a job for four months. 2009 was tulipty, I was benched for nigh on eight months, that was hard, the wife was made redundant as well, the warchest was pretty much demolished.

Then got a six month gig for at lot less than I was used to but very happy to be back in work, then had another four months on the bench last year, but I didn't panic/get stressed as much as previous year, even with 1st child on the way, I just knew something would turn up. Decorated/painted the whole house, whilst on the bench so not all bad, just remember to keep busy! Otherwise you'll go nuts...

Yes, being on the bench is no fun, but then that's part and parcel of being a contractor. I know some who have worked solid for ten years or more, but that's life.

Good luck, hope you find something soon.

qh

[russell]

My wife works and we have passive income that can cover mortgage and bills, I also have savings, I could be on the bench for a year and still be OK, the only thing that would happen is my mortgage wouldn't be overpaid as much. I would advise all potential contractors to save 12 months worth of living expenses before starting out.

[northernladuk]

My wife works and we have passive income that can cover mortgage and bills, I also have savings, I could be on the bench for a year and still be OK, the only thing that would happen is my mortgage wouldn't be overpaid as much. I would advise all potential contractors to save 12 months worth of living expenses before starting out.

Being stupid enough to get ripped off by your agent also doesn't get the mortgage overpaid by as much as well I believe.

[eek]

Being stupid enough to get ripped off by your agent also doesn't get the mortgage overpaid by as much as well I believe.

Abuse in a professional forum is not fair play.

As for Russell's original comment I'm not sure if 12 months money is essential before you start contracting but I would aim to save up at least that amount ASAP.

[quackhandle]

I will add that my mortgage got paid during all benched periods, even if I was robbing peter to pay paul.

Having very understanding and generous in-laws also helped.

Also add that its taken nearly one year of solid contracting to get myself out of the 2009/10 financial hole I got into.

Onwards and upwards.

qh

[EngDesigner]

I've been benched for 4 months. Couldn't find a contract that paid any decent rate, so today I accepted a permie job.

[Clippy]

I will add that my mortgage got paid during all benched periods, even if I was robbing peter to pay paul.

Having very understanding and generous in-laws also helped.

Also add that its taken nearly one year of solid contracting to get myself out of the 2009/10 financial hole I got into.

Onwards and upwards.

qh

qh, if you don't mind me asking, how old are you?