How do you feel about taking a rate cut for your next contract?

[2BIT]

Just a train of thought here, but I would like to think that I would progress with each contract, and that the rate that I accepted would increase too. I think it's a natural progression as I get stronger professionally and that my rate would increase with inflation, cost of living etc etc.

However, a role maybe on the cards which would mean a £150 / week hit, but I have worked there before, it's a good place to work, lots of totty, closer to home etc.

But I can't get out of the mentality of "I'm going backwards not forwards" - then I look at it another way, and think I could be benched so think yourself lucky...

Is this just the peaks and troughs of contracting, or do you guys get into the same way of thinking ...

is that 150 net? if it's closer to home you could well recover that through lower travel outgoings, could you not try and see if they would meet you half way? even a little increase is better than nothing - i suppose its like anything if your getting an easier life is worth accepting a little less dosh just as if you were thinking about a role 400 miles away you would probably up your rate.

[EternalOptimist]

On the principle of progressing though, which is you main point, I have found the opposite.

If you use the early years to smash your personal inflation, and to set things up right, you can easily keep the same rate going for a decade, and STILL see your quality of life increase.

[ChrisPackit]

If you use the early years to smash your personal inflation, and to set things up right, you can easily keep the same rate going for a decade, and STILL see your quality of life increase.

I think you're right EO. At this rate, I'll be upgrading my house to an inside toilet very soon

[badger7579]

It could depend on travel or the industry. If it were an area of industry I wanted to enter then I'd be prepared to drop my rate to get the experience. It also depends on market conditions. As stated before in these times rates are getting squeezed although from a personal point of view things seem to be picking up. Since starting contracting I've gone from 325/day to 450, 385, 350 and now 420 so ups and downs.