First timer question

[DaveB]

I thought the second rule was dont talk about contractor club.

Yes, but we dont talk about that rule

[SallyAnne]

We've had to abolish that rule, as we wouldn't be able to waste away our days on this forum

[rootsnall]

[*]I have enough money to last for two or three months without a pay cheque. Credit cards would of course carry me a whole lot further but at painful interest so I'd rather not go there. Should I have more savings before moving into contracting?

Depends on your circumstances and attitude to a bit of risk !? Normally I would say quit and then look for your contract but a 2 or 3 month buffer is a bit thin so maybe be a bit more cautious. As an oldie with responsibilities I would need a 12 month buffer these days to feel comfy but living on your credit carfds will certainly help your self promotion skills and interview technique.

[Francko]

Hi James,

Definately DO NOT quit your job before you land your first gig. You have to always think about the money (thats the first rule of Contractor Club!)

Its far better to find a gig while you're working, most jobs will wait for your notice period, but if they want you immediately, then simply fake a bad back when handing in your notice to your permie gig.

In my opinion, dont do aything which risks you being without money.

Sal

Hi Sally,

I am finding myself in the same problem. Less and less companies are willing to wait longer than 2 weeks for a contractor. Well, I guess the choice is either you risk and jump off without a contract first and just tell your company you are leaving in 2 weeks time, but that's another risk as well as you are cutting your bridges. Shouldn't we accept uncertainty as contractors anyway? What if you land on a contract and the contract gets cancelled in 2 weeks (personally happened once already)? If the market is strong enough perhaps is time to count for an extended 3-month holiday?

[SallyAnne]

Hi Sally,

I am finding myself in the same problem. Less and less companies are willing to wait longer than 2 weeks for a contractor. Well, I guess the choice is either you risk and jump off without a contract first and just tell your company you are leaving in 2 weeks time, but that's another risk as well as you are cutting your bridges. Shouldn't we accept uncertainty as contractors anyway? What if you land on a contract and the contract gets cancelled in 2 weeks (personally happened once already)? If the market is strong enough perhaps is time to count for an extended 3-month holiday?

Is it the companies who aren't willing to wait a month? Or the agents telling you that?
Tell the agents you are available immediately, go to the interview, then when they want you, arrange an appropriate start date. Most companies need a couple of weeks to sort out log in details and stuff anyway!
The key is to be able to wing it without panicking or freaking out.

Yes you should definatly be able to accept uncertainties, but you shouldn't put yourself into that position (by leaving a permie job before having a gig to go to). There are enough uncertinties in this game already without adding to it yourself. In my opinion.

[To BI or not to BI?]

Hi Sally,

I am finding myself in the same problem. Less and less companies are willing to wait longer than 2 weeks for a contractor. Well, I guess the choice is either you risk and jump off without a contract first and just tell your company you are leaving in 2 weeks time, but that's another risk as well as you are cutting your bridges. Shouldn't we accept uncertainty as contractors anyway? What if you land on a contract and the contract gets cancelled in 2 weeks (personally happened once already)? If the market is strong enough perhaps is time to count for an extended 3-month holiday?

Same problem here. Most people need somebody to start yesterday and won't even look at your skills if they have to wait longer than 2 weeks. I knew this was the case before I started contracting and I just take it as part of being a contractor. Any contractor should have at least a 3-4 months "unemployment" fund for those times when you just can't get the proper gig....

[Sockpuppet]

Same problem here. Most people need somebody to start yesterday and won't even look at your skills if they have to wait longer than 2 weeks. I knew this was the case before I started contracting and I just take it as part of being a contractor. Any contractor should have at least a 3-4 months "unemployment" fund for those times when you just can't get the proper gig....

Either that or a good plan B.

[To BI or not to BI?]

Either that or a good plan B.

Well, my plan B was doomed even before it started (just ask SA, she'll confirm that ), so I'll just have to stick to contracting for the time being and get my next gig pretty soon

[Francko]

Well, my plan B was doomed even before it started (just ask SA, she'll confirm that ), so I'll just have to stick to contracting for the time being and get my next gig pretty soon

How about looking for a very well paid permanent job as Plan B?

[To BI or not to BI?]

How about looking for a very well paid permanent job as Plan B?

Not sure I could keep it up for all that time.....