Contractors with permie brains

[Gibbon]

What is your area of work?

Real time embedded systems on mil/civil aircraft and trains.

Also can do all of the life cycle, Req-Design-Code-Integration-Acceptance.

Jack of all Master of none, but always seems to be something going plus lots of good contacts.

[Doggy Styles]

I have a rule of a year, give or take.

But you can't always stick to that. I've been at my current client for 18 months. I'm waiting for them to start a project I want to get onto my CV, it's good money, and it's quiet out there in my type of work.

[Archangel]

They have to drag me out with my fingernails screeching accross the floor of reception.

6 years with one client, 3 with another, 7 with next, 3 years with current.

Do I get institutionalised? Never.

[Pinto]

They have to drag me out with my fingernails screeching accross the floor of reception.

6 years with one client, 3 with another, 7 with next, 3 years with current.

Do I get institutionalised? Never.

My current contract is 12.5 years old, and both myself and Client Co are well aware that I'm just a contractor, not a permie!!

[Tensai]

My current contract is 12.5 years old, and both myself and Client Co are well aware that I'm just a contractor, not a permie!!

I think it's quite possible to spend an extended period at one client without "going native." As long as you can continue to avoid all the permie activites, and explain why (without objection), no problem.

Certain jobs, like project/programme management require you to (a) stay around until the job's done, which can take years in extreme cases, and (b) give the client 100% of your time.

[Clippy]

My current contract is 12.5 years old, and both myself and Client Co are well aware that I'm just a contractor, not a permie!!

I think it's quite possible to spend an extended period at one client without "going native." As long as you can continue to avoid all the permie activites, and explain why (without objection), no problem.

Certain jobs, like project/programme management require you to (a) stay around until the job's done, which can take years in extreme cases, and (b) give the client 100% of your time.

How is this viewed by HMRC? Do they not view you as a permie then?

[Tensai]

How is this viewed by HMRC? Do they not view you as a permie then?

I've never personally been investigated but I'm doing all the usual things to keep them satisfied. No guarantee, clearly.

The point is at the end of the project, you're out the door (in theory.) If I'm offered another one with the same client, I insist on a fresh contract being started.

[d000hg]

Real time embedded systems on mil/civil aircraft and trains.

Also can do all of the life cycle, Req-Design-Code-Integration-Acceptance.

Jack of all Master of none, but always seems to be something going plus lots of good contacts.

Is there a big market in that then? Or are you like the only person with decent experience in it? I have an extremely niche skill but the problem is it's so niche, finding anyone wanting it is tricky. Hmm, that sounds like a thread in its own right...

[Gibbon]

Is there a big market in that then? Or are you like the only person with decent experience in it? I have an extremely niche skill but the problem is it's so niche, finding anyone wanting it is tricky. Hmm, that sounds like a thread in its own right...

Fairly big market, A380, Boeing 787, london underground, BAE Systems, Rolls Royce,

[Slumdog]

Any recommendations/preferential suppliers for agencies for these embedded roles?