If you're thinking of contracting in 2009...

[BlasterBates]

don't bother.

Freelance contractors will be among IT’s big losers in 2009

contractor market 2009

So ....who's prepared?

[juststarting]

The article simply suggests there is increased outsourcing which is nothing new and agreed on it is not imminent treat.

[gingerjedi]

Its bad now, I'm on my lowest rate for 5 years.

I was sent a renewal three weeks ago but with one week to go the agent has only just noticed that I haven't signed it yet, I asked for more money and they got quite angry and said they would have to ask the client but didn't fancy my chances, I assumed they would just cut their margin a bit and live with it but it turns out they really have asked the client... one of the client boss's wants a quiet word now and he's doesn't look too happy.

Bugger.

You say it's going to get worse...

[Diver]

Its bad now, I'm on my lowest rate for 5 years.

I was sent a renewal three weeks ago but with one week to go the agent has only just noticed that I haven't signed it yet, I asked for more money and they got quite angry and said they would have to ask the client but didn't fancy my chances, I assumed they would just cut their margin a bit and live with it but it turns out they really have asked the client... one of the client boss's wants a quiet word now and he's doesn't look too happy.

Bugger.

You say it's going to get worse...

Minimum wage by 2010

[tay]

Yip totally prepared, its gonna be my best working year ever.

[Pondlife]

Currently discussing which of the clients 2010 projects could best use my, ahem, "expertise".

Fingers crossed.

[The Lone Gunman]

I have fooked orf abroad again. I was planning to return, but it doesnt look likely anymore.

[Pondlife]

I have fooked orf abroad again. I was planning to return, but it doesnt look likely anymore.

TLG, How are you finding the weekly commute?

[DimPrawn]

Its bad now, I'm on my lowest rate for 5 years.

I was sent a renewal three weeks ago but with one week to go the agent has only just noticed that I haven't signed it yet, I asked for more money and they got quite angry and said they would have to ask the client but didn't fancy my chances, I assumed they would just cut their margin a bit and live with it but it turns out they really have asked the client... one of the client boss's wants a quiet word now and he's doesn't look too happy.

Bugger.

You say it's going to get worse...

If the client wants to know why you are rising rates, point out that official inflation figures (RPI) are 5% and so, without a rate rise you are actually earning less and less. Nothing to do with greed, simple cost of living.

HTH

[The Lone Gunman]

TLG, How are you finding the weekly commute?

I am ignoring it.
WHere I am is about 10 hours travel from home so I am not bothering. The wife comes over for weeks at a time and we are weekending in Austria, Switzerland and northern Italy instead. What a bugger. Oktoberfest then ski season coming soon too.

[edit] I dont mind the weekly commute. I am from NW UK and have never worked at home since I was sixteen (now 44). It is easier to commute to central europe by air than it is to the sarf by road or train and a lot more pleasant when you get there.