To tell or not to tell?

[DS23]

you see it.
you want it.
you think you can do it.
but you can't.
not really,
so don't.

wait for the next one

you can't see it
you want it
you think you can do it
and you can
oh yes you can
so do it.

[DiscoStu]

So why do you now need a visa to work? Why stay in London? Why do you think you will get much more than a third of what your employer charges for you anyway (that's about the right average markup between BigCo and newbie freelance)? Have you noticed that about 30% of UK contractors are on the bench right now? Is this really a good time to step into a hostile market you don't really understand?

Dunno what field you consult in: let's hope it's not business management...

What he said. And with regard to resigning from your employer if you find a contract - good luck. There are thousands of benched contractors right now who are available yesterday. Unless you're in a seriously niche market you haven't got a hope of finding a contract with a month's notice or more...

[moorfield]

You won't find that much different on your own ....

Because I get paid a third of what my employer charges for me, and I can barely afford London rent.

pimp

[gauche]

Wow, you guys sure know how to sell contracting! Or mayhaps you're just trying to keep competition to a minimum in these tough times?

Some points:

1. I'm an Aussie (shutup about The Ashes already)
2. I've been living and working in London for 2 years now on a work permit. The whole time I've been with the same consulting firm
3. I've only recently had a visa approved that completely removes my restrictions on employment, thus allowing me to contract
4. I've actually been wanting to contract for quite some time now, but just haven't had the visa status to do so
5. I know how much I'm being billed at because I've been shown the SOWs. And it's significantly higher than what I'd expect as a contract rate
6. Again, I get paid peanuts. Sure, I could pack up my bags and go home in a sulk, but I'd rather make something of the opportunity before I head back to Oz - can you blame me?
7. I like London, and so does my family
8. I'm a very competent (if I do say so myself) developer (.NET, C#, WPF, Silverlight, Surface etc)

[JoJoGabor]

How long have you been working in the UK with your consultancy?

[lukemg]

Mate is ex-accenture, got a role from a senior chap there who had moved to become CIO at a large oil place. CIO was happy to pay my mate 850/day + expenses and Friday working at home as previously he was being charged out at 1200/day. Note - This was not a move from previous consultancy deal to direct, they were both ex by this time, still - decent rate though !
Good luck - you will need to be very useful to swing this.

[Menelaus]

Normally the non-compete wouldn't be enforceable in a Court but I'd imagine that telling your current employer to go **** themselves while you go direct would probably result in your getting a good, hard, kicking.

[SizeZero]

If you can't afford the rent in London on your permie wages, how will you manage to pay it with no work, or a prolonged wait on the bench while you get a contract?

You don't need to answer that on a public forum btw, but if you don't have five-figure savings, now probably isnt the time to be walking out on a regular income so long as you're managing to stay afloat.

[mrdonuts]

I am a consultant and just got a visa that allows me to do contracting. = i came from another country under ICT scheme doing some UK permie out of their job, now i want to try and do some UK contractor out of theirs

or should that be TA TA

[PM-Junkie]

I am a consultant and just got a visa that allows me to do contracting. = i came from another country under ICT scheme doing some UK permie out of their job, now i want to try and do some UK contractor out of theirs

or should that be TA TA

WHS. With bells on.

Enough to make one come over all right wing and confrontational....