its been 2 years in my first gig. decent rate.. what's the problem then?

**BlasterBates** · 11 June 2017, 10:43

sit tight, the only new contract you will get will be one which is almost identical to the one you have now. After 3 weeks you will feel just as frustrated as you are now. I would wait for the market to improve.

**tomtomagain** · 11 June 2017, 11:07

It's the classic "contractor trap". Paid too much to leave, but not enough to leave.

Your client has no obligation to develop your skills. You are there to fill his skill shortage. His obligation is to his permie staff and if he has any sense to develop their skills so that he can replace his expensive temporary resources.

And that's without even considering the risk that the client would run by giving you the opportunity to develop as a professional as this could open him up to legal hassles in terms of employment rights and so on.

You are a contractor and you have to look after yourself. Your client is unlikely to look after you.

Of course there is nothing wrong with remaining in the same contract with the same skills for years if that's what suits you. I knew a guy who was a "contractor" for 18 years in the same company ... before eventually becoming a permie there. He was perfectly happy. It worked for him.

But the longer you leave it before moving, the harder it becomes.

For example if you stay 5 years in a Big-Oil company then try to apply for a role at the local start-up the hiring manager looking at your CV is going to think : "This guy is from a big corporate. He's not going to fit in here".

Likewise if you are focused on one narrow technology then again your options are narrowed and you are dependent on the popularity of that technology. And believe me, what seems like a hot-in-demand skill right now can turn to nothing within a couple of years. Again, as an example, my cousin specialised in telecoms package. He made great money for a decade, but eventually, it declined as the technology company behind it withered and in the end, he was struggling to get a contract. His skill base had atrophied. He was the world's premier expert in a skill that nobody wanted.

What you should do depends on where you are in life and what your goals are. If you are 50, with a clear plan to retire at 55, then stick where you are. If you are 25 with 35 years more work in front of you then you need to consider the longer term. Doesn't mean though that you should necessarily start looking on Monday for something new ... just means you should start figuring out how you are going to acquire more skills and experience that will make you irresistible to the next hiring manager who looks at your CV some time in the future.

**northernladuk** · 11 June 2017, 12:48

Originally posted by Rocking contractor View Post

i feel I'm getting into a situation to find my 2nd gig difficult... Any suggestion from expereinced contractors..who have been in this situation... In general..any thoughts??

Does getting your second gig involve writing at all? If so I'd stay there as long as you can IMHO.

**Lockhouse** · 11 June 2017, 13:11

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

Does getting your second gig involve writing at all? If so I'd stay there as long as you can IMHO.

Quiet. Sorry, quite.

**NorthWestPerm2Contr** · 12 June 2017, 07:19

FFS you earn more in a day than the majority in the UK earn in a week. Stop complaining and enjoy your life.

**Fred Bloggs** · 12 June 2017, 07:55

Originally posted by NorthWestPerm2Contr View Post

FFS you earn more in a day than the majority in the UK earn in a week. Stop complaining and enjoy your life.

it's the old "not enough to fill my day" syndrome by the sounds of it. The OP needs to think about invoicing. GBP 3k a week is mega bucks these days.

**BrilloPad** · 12 June 2017, 07:58

Originally posted by Fred Bloggs View Post

it's the old "not enough to fill my day" syndrome

Isn't that what CUK is for?

**northernladyuk** · 12 June 2017, 08:09

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

Does getting your second gig involve writing at all? If so I'd stay there as long as you can IMHO.

How can the OP stay in his / her second gig?

**vetran** · 12 June 2017, 08:15

There is nothing to stop you expanding your skills saying 'I help you with that' will get you into all sort of trouble.

Make sure you CAN help them with that.

You can also pursue certification on the side to make you more attractive.

its been 2 years in my first gig. decent rate.. what's the problem then?