Need advice to switch from Perm to Contract

[The Spartan]

Sorry, but when the contract market is dead like it is, I dont see why tier 1 applications should even be considered for contract work.

Just my opinion but we need to look to protect our own market at times like these.

And more contractors means more competition with very few roles available

[KRoy]

Hi,
Thanks a lot for your advice.
First of all I would like to clarify that Tier 1 is atually the HSMP visa and I am allowed to work for any employer. My Visa is valid till 2013

However today morning I got a twist in the situation.
My employer is a giant overseas service based company and currently has several projects running in UK. As from past few months I was showing displeasure to my boss with my current work, he called me today and said that they have found a replacement for me and after 4-5 weeks or so of transition he will take my role and am free to take other suitable role in the project if it works out good for me or other projects in the company if I like. (With this I say that I have a good relation with my boss).

I am more confused now, should I leave this project and be on bench for sometime or should I resign.

[KRoy]

OR
Continue as I am and if I get a good contract and if my employer is not ready to release me then abscond?
Risk: No releaving letter / no experience letter/ no option to join this organization back in future / Dont know if any legal impacts

[northernladuk]

If you don't know what to do and have been offered a new placement you might enjoy then stick it out and see. Might be the best role ever.

[KRoy]

If you don't know what to do and have been offered a new placement you might enjoy then stick it out and see. Might be the best role ever.

Thanks, but my major disappointment with the organization is not the role its the salary and pay-scale which will not change with the new role.

[roadsidetree]

IMO you seem to worry about only one side of the coin.

Unless I am missing something, you have not told us anything about your background. Have you considered following -

1) Have you investigated contract opportunities in your subject area?
2) Do you feel you have necessary experience and qualification in your domain?
3) Also not sure how long have you been here. When you work as permie, you enjoy certain protection say from a hard customer. Remember when you are in contracting you will be on your own. So you should have necessary soft skills to manage the customer.

[KRoy]

IMO you seem to worry about only one side of the coin.

Unless I am missing something, you have not told us anything about your background. Have you considered following -

1) Have you investigated contract opportunities in your subject area?
2) Do you feel you have necessary experience and qualification in your domain?
3) Also not sure how long have you been here. When you work as permie, you enjoy certain protection say from a hard customer. Remember when you are in contracting you will be on your own. So you should have necessary soft skills to manage the customer.

Valid point roadsidetree:
I am a Java Tech Lead / Project Manager with Prince 2 certification when I see job openings on sites like jobserve etc I see a lot of good contract options. I tried applying for some but never got any response from any agent. I don't know the reason, may be I need to change my resume and make it more attractive OR may be I lack the skills they are looking for OR may be as my profile says 2 months of notice.

Secondly I am working for my current organization for past 8 and 1/2 years out of which I had spent 4 years in India, 4 years in USA and now in UK from past 6 months.
From past 4 and 1/2 years I am in client facing roles where I interact with them on day-to-day basis supporting requirement gathering to delivery aspects of modules.