Reply to: State of the Market

[fatJock]

The ban was unfare. I dared to criticise the competency of Rachel Reeves, who wouldn't, but for some that was seen as sexist. Work that one out.

I seem to remember you being warned about it - your belligerence talked you into the ban. Anyway, which house you selling this week?

[hobnob]

You can only ridicule straight white men these days.

Ridicule ethnic minorities you will get banned for racism.
Ridicule a women you will get banned for sexism.
Ridicule a gay person you will get banned for homophobia.

Are you talking about this forum specifically (since you mentioned being banned) or society in general? Either way, I don't think it's true; it would be more accurate to say that you shouldn't ridicule them for being part of that demographic group.

For instance, look at the last couple of Prime Ministers we've had:
* Liz Truss posted a "Merry Christmas" tweet on 15th December (presumably because someone messed up the scheduled setting).
Liz Truss on X: "Wishing everyone in the UK and around the world a merry Christmas 🇬🇧 🌎 https://t.co/xPmsm2t7JH" / X
* Rishi Sunak chose to have an outdoor press conference in the rain, and was the only person there without an umbrella.

I think it's fine to mock them both for that, and I don't think I'll get banned for saying that.

[SchumiStars]

Went from nothing to 2 calls, one turned into an interview that turned into a second interview but has now gone quiet.

Startup work is going well, folk I have showed it to (usually none technical) think its magic.

These long gaps between contracts are not sustainable though, but just gotta keep positive and keep plugging away

I can't offer any advice. I would suggest that having a structured day, helps considerably. Otherwise, you can spend all day pressing F5 and working yourself into a negative spiral.

Recruiters are usually able to pickup up desperation, victimhood and other traits indicating poor attitudes. Which is difficult, after a while it does grate.

I would also suggest a backup plan. Believe or not Uber, Deliveroo drivers are earning £1k per week. No, I didn't believe it either but working 7 days, does let them score large.

And take this forum with a pinch of salt. Most people that are posting on this board don't have niche skills, a client list or are irrespacebale 😀

Hope this helps.

[ResistanceFighter]

Went from nothing to 2 calls, one turned into an interview that turned into a second interview but has now gone quiet.

Startup work is going well, folk I have showed it to (usually none technical) think its magic.

These long gaps between contracts are not sustainable though, but just gotta keep positive and keep plugging away

[caminito]

poor Ollie. still, all the more for you to whine about, and build in boasts about your properties and flash cars, of course.
you could try a spelling course, too.

Whoop-de-doo, we found a typo!

Congratulations.

You might try a 'capitalisation' course.

[sadkingbilly]

The ban was unfare. .

poor Ollie. still, all the more for you to whine about, and build in boasts about your properties and flash cars, of course.
you could try a spelling course, too.

[Fraidycat]

The ban was unfare. I dared to criticise the competency of Rachel Reeves, who wouldn't, but for some that was seen as sexist. Work that one out.

You can only ridicule straight white men these days.

Ridicule ethnic minorities you will get banned for racism.
Ridicule a women you will get banned for sexism.
Ridicule a gay person you will get banned for homophobia.

Even within the straight white men category there are the jewish who you cant ridicule either, although since the genocide in Gaza that group has lost much of its victim status.

But any other straight white men, you can ridicule all day long.

I'm not white myself so I probably shouldnt care.

[caminito]

I'd be here all day ... seems others agree though given your ban.

The ban was unfare. I dared to criticise the competency of Rachel Reeves, who wouldn't, but for some that was seen as sexist. Work that one out.

[fatJock]

Easily irritated then?

Point me to the post that 'irritates' you and tell me why.

I'd be here all day ... seems others agree though given your ban.

[caminito]

Day 2 on the bench now and starting to get worried. LOL.

Just one more contract, I keep telling myself, then I'm done (again).

It does occur to me that the only reason I'm doing this is to continue owning two homes. If i just sold one of them, the problem goes away.

The reality of contracting the last few years, since covid / IR35 I'd say, is that the market does not resemble 20 years ago when I bought the holiday home. FAR from it. Everything has changed from taxation to immigration, to the economy, with crisis after crisis.

Looking back at my last two contracts of 3.5 years and 5 months, the first came along after a 17 month period on the bench. The second after a further 10 months benched. Not even 4 years of work in 6 years. Sustaining two homes and all the rest is a luxury few can afford in 2026.

I don't particularly enjoy contracting anymore. I used to love it, but I'm older, the market has gone, and I've become intolerant of idiots.

We're thinking selling the Spanish place, which will no doubt delight one or two on here, and living mortgage free with a stash in the bank. There wouldn't be a requirement to work 240 billable days a year, every year, I could do maybe half that, or maybe none. That would allow me to work on this shoebox of ideas that only ever gathers dust. Apps and games. Interesting ideas that may or may not make some money.

[Bluenose]

Noticeable increase in cold calls from agents over past 3 months. Not available personally but may be good news for others.

possibility of unemployment in the short term is a good motivator to hit the phones.

[Ignore]

Noticeable increase in cold calls from agents over past 3 months. Not available personally but may be good news for others.

[Protagoras]

I as many others have discovered your day rate is not dictated by what I used to earn or even the bare minimum I need to maintain my standard of living.

Exactly. I contracted for 20 years and my final rate was only 30% greater than my starting rate. If the rate had kept up with inflation, the final rate would have been over £200/day more, so the loss of purchasing power is significant. At some point during those years there must have been a point where it was more cost-effective to go permy but hey ho.

The problem now is that this is getting significantly worse and even achieving one's previous nominal rate is a challenge for many. Then add that the roles are mostly brolly workers denied expenses.

[Bluenose]

Hays has shed another -18% (rounded-up) this past 31 days. All eyes on the yearly call on 16th April.

State of the market: Looks like we might be going down with the ship boys, I will be looking for an uptick for contract placements in those yearly results.

[SchumiStars]

Eh ! I don't think anything of the sort TheDude ....I asked a question which option was better the day rate or the FTC salary.

Lot of nasty people on here looking to score points or bring people down/gloating.

It is academic anyway they are not hiring, who knows jobs just get pulled or don't exist...it is a mystery the workings of the job market these days.

So much negativity on here and talking down to people....just weird .

Just wait until the ultimate contractors appear.

These guys are always in a contract on £1000pd+, never out of work because they have super-niche skills that no one in the world can learn or replicate. They also have a client list, who call them up every few months because they are just so damn good. 😀

PS: I'm more of an average contractor who has to fight hard to get paid. I'm grateful for any job TBH. Mind you, I prefer doing sports than being a paycheck for the family.

I never understood online egos TBF.