Java vs .Net contracts - much more .net up north?

[rashm2k]

Hi all,

So I think I'll be making a move into contracting soon. I have 4 years experience so far 2 yrs has been java/open source world and 2 years has been MS world i.e. .net, SQL, SSIS in finance, so I think (with a few certifications) I can take on either role.

I've been doing research on what opportunities could be out there for me, I'm currently in London but would like to eventually move up north. Contracts in london appear to not be an issue either Java or .Net; a quick search shows more Java than .Net. In the North West however I'm seeing far more .Net than java roles (about 3x more .net roles).

Thus I have two questions on this:

So I'd like to get a feel for what people have experienced especially those that have worked in the NW. Do you find that there actually more Java roles vs .net (because the agents don't advertise them), or there are actually more .net roles?

Could you please PM me the contact details of an Agent you trust (I know many people don't trust them at all - and with good reason), but ideally someone you know personally and either has mainly contracts in North West and another agent who deals with mainly contracts in London. The reason being I'd like to get a feel for the market from them and discuss with them if this is right time so obviously don't want someone who doesn't care.

Thanks in advance folks!

[rashm2k]

Someone must know at least a good agent right?

Or at least the ones to avoid?

[Bunk]

You're looking at it the wrong way. You don't find an agent and get them to find you a contract, you find a contract and it usually comes with an agent attached, like a parasite.

[stek]

I think you've misunderstood the contractor/agent dynamic, we barely tolerate each other, let alone trust each other. Each would shaft each other for a fiver a day.

None will talk or chat with you unless they can screw a few quid out of you.

You need to be able to live off your wits, not liaise with a pimp.

[eek]

Someone must know at least a good agent right?

Or at least the ones to avoid?

Company has requirement phones agent they like or got fed up with him ringing.

Agent then puts advert on jobserve receives 200 emails and randomly filters them. You need to be quick enough with a good enough cv to get to the top of that pile

[rashm2k]

Ok guys I take your point, they're not to be trusted as far as you can throw them.

But how about the other question? Do you guys who work in the NW find Java or .Net roles easier to find?

[eek]

Ok guys I take your point, they're not to be trusted as far as you can throw them.

But how about the other question? Do you guys who work in the NW find Java or .Net roles easier to find?

pass as I doubt there are many people who do both. At clientco I'm fairly unique in knowing both .net and Java....

Also 2 years experience in something is hardly much. I've been doing .Net for 11 years, Java 15....

[stek]

Ok guys I take your point, they're not to be trusted as far as you can throw them.

But how about the other question? Do you guys who work in the NW find Java or .Net roles easier to find?

I am from the NW myself and find it a contracting dead-zone....

[Pogle]

I am from the NW myself and find it a contracting dead-zone....

Ditto here.
I live up North, but work down South.

[d000hg]

Newcastle has a fair amount of techie stuff going on but otherwise I'd suggest looking at Edinburgh.