How long to stay on my first contract?

[nicholas22]

I am almost 2 years in and this is my first contract. The time is nigh to start talking about renewal.

I'm curious as to whether there are reasons that might compel me to move on... For example I've heard that, for non umbrella companies, it is good to move on after 2 to 3 years, for avoiding being seen as a disguised employee. Is this true, and are there any such legal/economical reasons I should consider?

Thanks!

[Troll]

WGAF

Grow some and decide your own destiny

HTH

[Zero Liability]

Ultimately the WP drive whether it is inside or outside, and if they are outside based on one or more of the three pillars, the length of the engagement is irrelevant. I guess it may make it easier for HMRC to investigate you, given that there would be fewer contracts with fewer clients to wade through, but AFAIK they still need to pay some heed to cost-efficiency, so high turnover, high dividend:salary ratio (both of which mean higher yield) and being on a bad footing with HMRC, e.g. due to late returns, are all probably bigger risk factors, coupled with whatever crusades they are on at any point in time, e.g. public sector. You can also mitigate risk through IR35 insurance and contract reviews, e.g. through Qdos. All this is assuming it doesn't become some relic whilst they move onto a new means of targeting contractors, e.g. through the incoming agency reporting requirements.

The 24 month rule re: expenses is the only thing that is impacted by the length of the engagement.

[suityou01]

I am almost 2 years in and this is my first contract. The time is nigh to start talking about renewal.

I'm curious as to whether there are reasons that might compel me to move on... For example I've heard that, for non umbrella companies, it is good to move on after 2 to 3 years, for avoiding being seen as a disguised employee. Is this true, and are there any such legal/economical reasons I should consider?

Thanks!

Depends. If the coffee is good, and free then that's a keeper.

Boobylicious girl on reception with cheeky smile would also be an indicator of renewal acceptance.

What about workload? Can you goof off for 3 hour pub lunches at opening time with no one noticing? Again strong indicator.

So many variables in a tricky equation see. Need more background before I can fully give my expert opinion.

[PurpleGorilla]

Boobylicious girl on reception with cheeky smile would also be an indicator of renewal

Sounds like a Benefit In Kind.

[suityou01]

Sounds like a Benefit In Kind.

With double entry it can be easily offset.

[psychocandy]

WGAF

Grow some and decide your own destiny

HTH

Any need for this?

[suityou01]

Any need for this?

See user name.

HTH

[TheFaQQer]

Any need for this?

Seems pretty normal for General - I know you keep your life blog in the professional forums that give you some degree of protection from these kinds of response, but if you post in General that's what to expect.

[eek]

If you previous jobs where permanent and you've spent 2 years at your first contract your CV screams Permie and you will be back at square 1 trying to get a contract....

So either start contract hunting, give in and go back permie or sit there until they kick you out but I think you will find getting another contract is going to be hard work....