work, plan b or benched?

[Fran]

Plan B now brings in more than the contracting.

I only do 3 days a week contracting now.

How happy is your main client with that? I may be in a simular situation soon, well hopefully!

[PRC1964]

How happy is your main client with that? I may be in a simular situation soon, well hopefully!

They're fine with it, I've worked with them on and off for a long time now and we have a good business relationship.

It probably depends on the sector you work in though. Those in banking might find it harder to get this kind of deal.

[VectraMan]

In semi serious mode the best way of doing things is a clued up user, a config person and a developer all in one room, develop and test until it works. If you need doco do it after. The more you vary from this formulae the carpper the result and the bigger the cost. The absolute worst model is an outside counsultancy writing specs and sending them offshore.

I agree. Specs are what you write at the end of the project whilst you've got spare time waiting on any issues that come up in final testing. And only then because the management seems to think it's necessary.

I nearly have this setup, and I think it works really well. Unfortunately there are management forces at work trying to slow everything down and make everything less efficient.

[bren586]

Just been extended for another 6 months and got a tiny rate rise (3.1%) to boot. Pleased as punch

[rootsnall]

I agree. Specs are what you write at the end of the project whilst you've got spare time waiting on any issues that come up in final testing. And only then because the management seems to think it's necessary.

I nearly have this setup, and I think it works really well. Unfortunately there are management forces at work trying to slow everything down and make everything less efficient.

I forgot to add the last bit for my magic formuale for development. A manager who can make decisions, or ideally no management involvement at all so that you can make the right decisions.

[Iron Condor]

Plan B exclusively for me since Jan 2007.

Made more last year than i ever did contracting (and i did very well during the heights of the dot com boom!)

There will always be work around if you are good and have the skills.

IT downturns tend to last about eighteen months.

The reason i quit the rat race is that rates havent kept up with inflation over the last eight years.

http://jobstats.co.uk/jobstats.d/Rates.html

Another down turn looking very likely means rates wont be going up over the next few years either..

[KathyWoolfe]

Plan B now brings in more than the contracting.

I only do 3 days a week contracting now.

So, isn't plan B now your plan A and vice-versa?

When do plan B's take over and become plan A's?

[Dark Black]

Was due to finish current gig at the end of the month and then the client asked if I wanted to extend for another 6 months. For some stupid reason I agreed to extension (but only for 3 months). Beginning to regret it already and may walk anyway. I'm starting to worry about the IR35 status of the new work too. Up to now it's been very clear cut but it's looking a bit less so now.

Downturn doesn't scare me. would be happy for a few months on the bench anyway.

[Jog On]

So, isn't plan B now your plan A and vice-versa?

When do plan B's take over and become plan A's?

Plan B for me is carry on contracting/working in IT

Plan A is on the up though and I'm planning for it to take over ASAP - made about £15 the last 2 nights with a brand new website that's only been up a couple of weeks getting less than 50 uniques a day (from PPC)

[SallyAnne]

Plan B for me is carry on contracting/working in IT

Plan A is on the up though and I'm planning for it to take over ASAP - made about £15 the last 2 nights with a brand new website that's only been up a couple of weeks getting less than 50 uniques a day (from PPC)

Do you want to tell us what the website is? We could help?

Also - why does Bunney have a wonkey eye?