Realistic rates

[snaw]

I did for nigh on eight years, yourself? When I started rates were much higher and it made straightforward sense. From the millenium bug period rates fell as did the number of available contracts.

As of a few months ago raverage ates in London crept past pre-boom highs. And there are no shortage of contracts either.

[HarryPearce]

In memoriam

Milan died in a tragic photocopying accident.

Anyways, what point are you trying to make Mr Pearce?

Stay permie, it's much better, more money and great benefits.

Let the idiots go contracting. Fools.

Sorry to hear that! No trace left just a copy I presume.

As to the point: this thread has made it itself, contracting can pay but only if you're fortunate to live close enough to a constant supply of work and secondly if you're lucky on the rate 'cos most don't seem to rationalise the rate they need to make it worthwhile. Otherwise, it's a lifestyle decision.

[DaveB]

Sorry to hear that! No trace left just a copy I presume.

As to the point: this thread has made it itself, contracting can pay but only if you're fortunate to live close enough to a constant supply of work and secondly if you're lucky on the rate 'cos most don't seem to rationalise the rate they need to make it worthwhile. Otherwise, it's a lifestyle decision.

It also depeands on the line of work you are in. .Net seems to be the current developement Gravy Train. Bog standard hell desk and hardware support is crap, as it is in the permie world. DBA work, especially oracle, seems to be steady, if unexciting. Niche areas, as always, command a premium. Be good at someting not a lot of other people are good at and you reap the benefits.

Personally I'm in security, risk management and governance and the phone hardly stops ringing

[ratewhore]

It also depeands on the line of work you are in. .Net seems to be the current developement Gravy Train. Bog standard hell desk and hardware support is crap, as it is in the permie world. DBA work, especially oracle, seems to be steady, if unexciting. Niche areas, as always, command a premium. Be good at someting not a lot of other people are good at and you reap the benefits.

Personally I'm in security, risk management and governance and the phone hardly stops ringing

Seconded DaveB. Theres gold in them thar security mountains...

[XLMonkey]

Sorry to hear that! No trace left just a copy I presume.

As to the point: this thread has made it itself, contracting can pay but only if you're fortunate to live close enough to a constant supply of work and secondly if you're lucky on the rate 'cos most don't seem to rationalise the rate they need to make it worthwhile. Otherwise, it's a lifestyle decision.

Agree that being close to a viable market is important (kind of obvious, isn't it?), but don't agree that getting the right rate is a matter of luck. To get the right rate you need to have the right attitude to networking, negotiating and knowing your own worth. That ain't luck.

[cojak]

it's less a matter of luck and more a matter of supply and demand. If you crack that then your rates will be consistantly high.

DaveB is right.