What is the longest you have been out of Work in the last year

[Signo_cypher]

Hello Guys,

I am looking into becoming a contractor but the chances of not having work for 2-3 months scares the hell out of me. I have been in the IT industry 5+ and I have a varied skill set with Linux, Java, SQL and Web 2.0 and as much as I like doing different things and of cause more money (tis nices ), I am not sure about the working conditions with the current economic climate.

I have read all the newbie stuff but apart from insurance they have not said much about how you guys coupe with long periods of no work and is there any indication of how often that happens.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

One month - and that was in between contracts. FWIW contracting is what you make it, I would never plan to be off more than 1 month at a time, a break in between contracts is my own personal choice. As you will hear though it is KEY to have a war chest of minimum 3 months money in the bank. Many will argue you will need more, (which you do) but it all comes down to the amount of risk you are willing to accept. When the contact ends (which it will) how confident are you of securing a new role?

[HairyArsedBloke]

In the last year - all of it and the year before that ......

[PM-Junkie]

Its the thought of NOT being able to take 2-3 months off that scares the b'jesus out of me.

[Spacecadet]

If the prospect of being without work for a few months scares you I would advise you to think long and hard about becoming a contractor, it's a big feature of the lifestyle and one of the primary risks you take.

It scares me, not for monetary reasons but for the same reason the thought of taking another permie job scares me

[moorfield]

but the chances of not having work for 2-3 months scares the hell out of me.

Contracting probably not for you then! Stick to permiedom while times are tough.

[Diver]

7 months

[ratewhore]

I take 6 months off every 2-3 years. It's great...

[dmini]

I had a couple of months off two years ago, but since then I've been in a contract solidly, should be up to next Feb, but who knows.
Yes, it can be scary, but the extra money you get as a contractor should cover that time, and you use it for holiday, training, and searching Jobswerve every 2 hours!!
I'm in a better place financially now than I was at that point, but sitting at home for weeks on end would drive me up the wall - so I do my best to ensure I keep contracts running well, clients happy, and update my skills where required. Gives me the best chance of getting a new contract quickly

[Moose423956]

None. But then I am a permie. KERCHIIIIIIIIIIING!

[Gonzo]

I only worked 22 days in the last quarter of 2007.

I will only have taken 22 days off (including bank holidays) in the first three quarters of 2008.

From December 2008, I will be taking some serious time off.