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Higher Grade Gig for a lower rate

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    Higher Grade Gig for a lower rate

    Was just interviewed and was offered a gig with distinctly greater responsibility and profile than current gig. But rate was slightly lower than current mundane, boring gig. Was very tempted but was convinced that client Co was offering less than I was worth. Would probably have loved the new job but turned it down (post negotiation of course) purely on principle. Any of you had anything similar?

    #2
    I had 2 offers at the end of my last contract; both were better rate, one only just.
    The 'lower' of the 2 gigs was probably the most interesting, and comfortable, whereas the other - that I accepted - was higher rate, local and perhaps more technically useful (chance to skill up on a couple of areas outside my normal) and challenging.

    TBH, was a tricky decision, but money, location, challenge and bonus skill potential swung it.
    latest-and-greatest solution (TM) kevpuk 2013

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      #3
      I'm quite lucky in that years of contracting have put me in a position where money isn't even in the top 5 considerations for a role. I'm more interested these days in interesting and challenging roles for companies I want to work for in places that are nice commutes and matches the sort of work I want to do. A role that matches all of that can get me for a cheap rate, if I'm convinced that that's all they'll pay. If the role lacks one or more of those subjective requirements then my asking rate goes up.

      For example, if I'm approached to work at an investment bank in an awkward part of London on a boring project that I've done 20 times before then my asking rate is going to be very high to the point that the agent will probably just stop there. If they did accept my rate requirements then that's fine, I'll do almost any project for the right money.

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        #4
        Originally posted by AnthonyQuinn View Post
        Was just interviewed and was offered a gig with distinctly greater responsibility and profile than current gig. But rate was slightly lower than current mundane, boring gig. Was very tempted but was convinced that client Co was offering less than I was worth. Would probably have loved the new job but turned it down (post negotiation of course) purely on principle. Any of you had anything similar?
        Could you get a gig with that level of responsibility at full rate? Let us assume you couldn't and this is a slight step up in the ladder than where you are now. You have to ask yourself is it worth a loss leader to get these skills and up your standard level of rate with the better skills. You are a business after all and it's about making yourself more saleable at a better rate in the long run. It isn't often a contractor gets the chance to either learn new kills or grow existing ones so might be worth a punt.

        At the end of the day it is personal choice. Improve your CV at a slight loss of rate or just plod on.

        You haven't mentioned how much less. £10 a day and it could be a no brainer. £100 a day and you have to think. It's not like you will put on the breadline though I guess.
        'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!

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          #5
          Originally posted by AnthonyQuinn View Post
          Was just interviewed and was offered a gig with distinctly greater responsibility and profile than current gig. But rate was slightly lower than current mundane, boring gig. Was very tempted but was convinced that client Co was offering less than I was worth. Would probably have loved the new job but turned it down (post negotiation of course) purely on principle. Any of you had anything similar?
          Sadly this is what happens nowadays. The clientco keep being told by agencies there's loads of candidates out there so they know they can offer less and less for what they get.

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by craig1 View Post
            For example, if I'm approached to work at an investment bank in an awkward part of London on a boring project that I've done 20 times before then my asking rate is going to be very high to the point that the agent will probably just stop there. If they did accept my rate requirements then that's fine, I'll do almost any project for the right money.
            My approach is the same, in this regard.

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by northernladuk View Post
              Could you get a gig with that level of responsibility at full rate? Let us assume you couldn't and this is a slight step up in the ladder than where you are now. You have to ask yourself is it worth a loss leader to get these skills and up your standard level of rate with the better skills. You are a business after all and it's about making yourself more saleable at a better rate in the long run. It isn't often a contractor gets the chance to either learn new kills or grow existing ones so might be worth a punt.

              At the end of the day it is personal choice. Improve your CV at a slight loss of rate or just plod on.

              You haven't mentioned how much less. £10 a day and it could be a no brainer. £100 a day and you have to think. It's not like you will put on the breadline though I guess.
              i agree with this entirely. My own sensible choice should have been to take the gig.Its just that the client had a fixed rate card and will not offer more for skills and experience. This was work which a lot fewer people could deliver than my current gig. I just let my principle of not underselling myself dominate my decision making. But its always a case of living and learning I suppose.

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by northernladuk View Post
                Could you get a gig with that level of responsibility at full rate? Let us assume you couldn't and this is a slight step up in the ladder than where you are now. You have to ask yourself is it worth a loss leader to get these skills and up your standard level of rate with the better skills. You are a business after all and it's about making yourself more saleable at a better rate in the long run. It isn't often a contractor gets the chance to either learn new kills or grow existing ones so might be worth a punt.

                At the end of the day it is personal choice. Improve your CV at a slight loss of rate or just plod on.

                You haven't mentioned how much less. £10 a day and it could be a no brainer. £100 a day and you have to think. It's not like you will put on the breadline though I guess.
                +1

                Those who come in to contracting purely for the money will only ever judge a contract on the pounds in your pocket, not on the potential to earn more later.
                Originally posted by Stevie Wonder Boy
                I can't see any way to do it can you please advise?

                I want my account deleted and all of my information removed, I want to invoke my right to be forgotten.

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                  #9
                  Originally posted by AnthonyQuinn View Post
                  Was just interviewed and was offered a gig with distinctly greater responsibility and profile than current gig. But rate was slightly lower than current mundane, boring gig. Was very tempted but was convinced that client Co was offering less than I was worth. Would probably have loved the new job but turned it down (post negotiation of course) purely on principle. Any of you had anything similar?
                  I must ask why they pay less for more?

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Interesting responses so far. I think it would ultimately boil down to your current motivations (as stated previously) and your frame of mind.

                    For me, if the lower rate was put on the table intentionally along with the "carrot" of more experience, right now I would say no.

                    I went contracting in part to cut out the BS of permie carrots (do this bit of work that no one else wants to do and you might be considered for a pay review in 6 months, etc), so any potential client speaking like this would just set off alarms in my head. It sounds arrogant of them. We're so good we don't pay market rates.

                    Having said that, if you are SURE that it will be worth the investment (what you could have been earning in the time you would have been working there, vs how much you will be able to make in future with the new experience ) then it might work for you.

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