Reply to: Would You take a gig that's 20% less than your usual day rate to avoid the bench?

[ladymuck]

Yes but with a heap of the caveats mentioned above by various people.

I don't tend to worry too much about time out but, saying that, the past two years have seen lower revenue than I'd like so I'm currently in "must earn cash" mode to top up the warchest. So, at the moment, I would absolutely take anything as long as it at least hits the minimum I need to earn to pay the bills. I'd also be looking to move on asap once something juicier comes up.

If I can't get my basics covered, then I'd give myself a very strict time limit before nipping into the dark side and taking a permie/FTC role (again with a view to jumping ship as soon as practical).

It does all depend on your circumstances and how long you're willing/able to sit on the bench for.

[AnthonyQuinn]

I have been on the bench for 4 months new because of my pig headed refusal to take a 15% rate cut. Now I will have to cut even more.

Remember, the ultimate aim of a contractor it to, for as long and as frequently as possible, KEEP INVOICING. So if nothing else available, swallow your pride and also whatever meagre bones are thrown your way. You are a businessman. Will you shut your shop if people want to pay less for your products or will you drop prices (as long as you can).

BTW, i assume you dont fancy a long holiday. Because if you did you wouldnt have asked.

[Whorty]

I go for the role first, rate second. I'd rather take an interesting role that improves my CV for future roles, than take a bland role that does nothing for my CV but is a higher rate. Sometimes a lower rate today is an investment for tomorrow

[PrestonChris]

I made the mistake of being picky and turning down a role because the office was like a soulless prison in the middle of nowhere because I had quite a bit of cash still in the business and wasn't desperate for work !

turned out i was on the bench for the length of that contract and now in a perm role :-(

if I had taken that contract I could have now been looking at cash in the bank and summer off !

i'd easily take a 20% pay cut in future !

[Big Blue Plymouth]

Just started one at 20% below my usual day rate myself.

I'm getting AngularJS 2.0 out of it so I'm prepared to take the cut as I'm skilling up on the job. Project is interesting & they seem a good crowd.

But, I wouldn't do the sorts of soul destroying gigs I've done for people like Crapita on this rate.

[uk contractor]

My missus doesn't always agree with that after a had day's work.

Give her a trade discount then

[northernladuk]

I think in the current climate taking anything is better than having nothing.

My missus doesn't always agree with that after a had day's work.

[SussexSeagull]

I think in the current climate taking anything is better than having nothing.

[FarmerPalmer]

I always keep an eye on the market so I know what to expect.

I applied early before the last gig finished because the market wasn't looking so good (late last year) and was prepared to take a cut to get work if rates fell.

A few year back (2009 I think) I did take a 25% cut to stay in work.

[quackhandle]

I worked with a guy who would do a gig in London for 500/600 a day then, if there was nothing around, take one for almost half that.

For him it was keep on invoicing. He wasn't proud he just said it's best to be gigging rather than sitting on the bench.

Mind you he was Scottish.

Personally I would have to say if location was really close/WFH then yes.

qh

[northernladuk]

It changes your perspective when you do have a few months on the bench.

I can imagine it does!

[radish2008]

Yes, take it. I see this exact situation every single day. It's simple maths, and a false economy to wait 2 months for a higher rate contract.

That said, only you know what you need to live on, if the low rate means that you can't pay your mortage then get a perm job..

Haha. Says the agent who will use this info to drive your rate even lower.

[radish2008]

Depends. If it's 20% less because it's a crap gig that's going to put a dent in my CV then absolutely not. Like for like work, just crap rate then I'd have to look at other factors about location and the like. It's not as simple as just the money but then I've not had any long periods on the bench to be fair.

It changes your perspective when you do have a few months on the bench.

[radish2008]

Just asking....

I've had a couple off long breaks over the last 3 years and coming to the end of my current contract which is only 3 months. Last time I made the mistake of being rather picky and only going for gigs of a certain rate so that it took about 4 or 5 months to get placed.

I've had a few years experience behind me now and tempted to again wait for the rate I want. However a gig has potentially come up which is 20% lower but would mean something to go into straight after my current one. Do I take it? Just wondering what the lowest people on here are or have been willing to drop to in order to keep off the bench?

Yes without a doubt. I had 4 months off once with enough in the bank to see me through 6 months. Any money (within reason) is better than no money.

[northernladuk]

Depends. If it's 20% less because it's a crap gig that's going to put a dent in my CV then absolutely not. Like for like work, just crap rate then I'd have to look at other factors about location and the like. It's not as simple as just the money but then I've not had any long periods on the bench to be fair.