Availability for the contract market

[milanbenes]

i gotta say when I started contracting I couldn't understand why everyone's not a contractor

years later, today, with children and having to put a roof over their head I can sympathise why those who wait too late miss the chance to go contracting because once they have children and a mortgage I can sympathise that for the majority it's not worth the risk

so to this thread,

a, save yer warchest, how much, 6 months ?

b, when a) is nearly ready hand in notice

c) close to end of notice period start looking


I can see why this would put most people off

make sure you have done your research, and that your area has a contracting future !

otherwise you may end up regretting becoming a contractor

Milan.

[MarillionFan]

i gotta say when I started contracting I couldn't understand why everyone's not a contractor

years later, today, with children and having to put a roof over their head I can sympathise why those who wait too late miss the chance to go contracting because once they have children and a mortgage I can sympathise that for the majority it's not worth the risk

so to this thread,

a, save yer warchest, how much, 6 months ?

b, when a) is nearly ready hand in notice

c) close to end of notice period start looking


I can see why this would put most people off

make sure you have done your research, and that your area has a contracting future !

otherwise you may end up regretting becoming a contractor

Milan.

I would hesitate to guess that the majority of contractors fell into it and that it wasn't a conscious 'I'm going to give up my perm job and make oodles of cash'. The exception to that would be just before Y2K where opportunists jumped over to contracting for a year or two but then fell back into perm. They don't get count.

I fell into contracting back in 1997/98 after an argument with the owner of the consultancy I worked for. I'd been under the cosh and stressed until that moment during the heated argument I threw my car keys down with the words 'f**k u and your job' and walked out. A contractor and CUK meme for lamping people was born.

Now I find contracting boring and unfulfilling, if not for the money I'd be doing something else.

[milanbenes]

Now I find contracting boring and unfulfilling, if not for the money I'd be doing something else.

you Sir,

need a mid life crisis

go an buy yourself a Landrover

Milan.

[Scrag Meister]

I would hesitate to guess that the majority of contractors fell into it and that it wasn't a conscious 'I'm going to give up my perm job and make oodles of cash'.

Not correct, that was my exact thinking. I gave 3 months notice to permie employer and left, 3 months later I had my first contract.

[doodab]

I would hesitate to guess that the majority of contractors fell into it and that it wasn't a conscious 'I'm going to give up my perm job and make oodles of cash'

I tripped over and landed in a pot of cash. I do seem to be nearing the bottom of it though.

[lukemg]

WTAS
If you have the spuds, then go with the Swampy option, bridges will get burnt so make sure you can live with that. (bear in mind NO-ONE will remember you 3 weeks after you are gone). Absolutely key is to convince the agent you are available, any hint that you are pulling a fast one and you wont get a sniff.
Why ? Because LOTS of perms dip a toe in the water then cack themselves over the 13 weeks they get offered, pension plan, missus on back etc and back out. Agent can find available people with the experience, why should they even bother sending your CV, you have to be in the same position or have VERY unique in demand skills.
I reckon most contractors kick into this after being made redundant, being in a crap job or other major bust-up and so they have nothing to lose, the decision is very different. Respect to anyone giving up a decent job to have a go, not sure I would in this market. Oh – and expect to be hired for the basic technical work you have skills for.
Good luck !

[alreadypacked]

WLS

To be successful in contracting you need to have a skill set that is in demand. Do your research before you jump.

Really know why someone would want to hire you.

[MarillionFan]

Not correct, that was my exact thinking. I gave 3 months notice to permie employer and left, 3 months later I had my first contract.

I am of course correct. According to a recent poll

http://forums.contractoruk.com/gener...ll-into-2.html

The majority of contractors fall into contracting.