How easy to keep changing contracts?

[Captain Jack]

Hey, Cap'n Jack, how zit going?

Long time no see & all that.

Up to my armpits in Torchwood work. I'd love to tell you about it but I'd have to kill you first. Just you wait and see in this week's episode.

[Ruprect]

So, I was wondering, what are people's experiences of the nomadic lifestyle - 3 months here, 2 months there? Is it any easier to pick up short-term contracts compared to longer ones? Does being outside IR35 make enough of a difference in take-home pay to make the gamble worthwhile? Also... any other pros and cons, just list them. Cheers.

[CAVEAT - Depends on the type of work you're doing] I Would recommend not doing just 2-3 months somewhere then moving on; if you're given the chance of a couple of renewals then take them. My contracts are in programming (I expect most here are) and it is generally expected that a project is going to take more than 2-3 months, even if that is just what they take you on for (they will get rid of you if you're sh!te however). When it comes to securing a contract and you've got lots of 2-3 monthers (and nothing longer) this will raise suspicion that you're not up to the job (and hence not renewed) and make it less likely that you'll be offered.

[Ruprect]

Oh and additionally, on the IR35 question, I contend that 1-1.5 years is a reasonable amount of time to spend on any specific project, thus serving your client for a specific requirement and then leaving when the job is done (thats what we all do right?) - just make sure you have the substitution clause in the contract too, and ideally a schedule of deliverables.

[threaded]

[CAVEAT - Depends on the type of work you're doing] I Would recommend not doing just 2-3 months somewhere then moving on; if you're given the chance of a couple of renewals then take them. My contracts are in programming (I expect most here are) and it is generally expected that a project is going to take more than 2-3 months, even if that is just what they take you on for (they will get rid of you if you're sh!te however). When it comes to securing a contract and you've got lots of 2-3 monthers (and nothing longer) this will raise suspicion that you're not up to the job (and hence not renewed) and make it less likely that you'll be offered.

Good advice. The only issue I have is that most of the time I can do the whole thing one my own over a weekend before the contract starts, so it is actually quite a skill to spin the contract out as long as possible. If you're in a large team it's not so difficult to do as everyone else is at the same game. One on ones are quite a problem though, so in such circumstances I would ask for a fixed price and try and work it from home.

threaded in "contractor rodeo" mode