Reply to: Opinion Please: Choosing between two offers Contract VS Perm

[ruasonid]

I’ve taken all reference to my age off my cv. It’s against the law to discriminate on age, but I don’t want anything going against me.

How have you approached this? Not as easy as it sounds while retaining content relevant to the role.

[ruasonid]

I rejigged my CV a couple of years ago to remove references to age and dates. Instead I now give some sample engagements, including client details but without dates, highlighting the relevant skills and experience from each etc. I've been going for 20 years with over a dozen different clients so I pick and choose which sample engagements to include based on the target role.

How well is this approach working for you? I've found it helpful in front-loading a cv with relevant content and getting through filters etc. However, I've not had much in the way of responses/feedback to suggest how well it works. I think it does create a problem where ATS/TAS parses and makes nonsense of the cv content when putting it into forms. If the cv gets in front of eyeballs it's less of an issue. However, I have had recruiters contact me to ask about dates (seeming reluctant to put the cv forward without them).

Edit. I've also tried leaving off location (because some recruiters are too location sensitive) and suspect this often results in not getting through.

[WordIsBond]

What doesn’t kill us make us stronger

As long as it doesn't truly kill you. Sounds like you have a non-disastrous future even if contracting goes pear-shaped, so do what you want to do!

[WindySong]

If you have a massive mortgage and your pension plan was weak, and you have no way to pay off that mortgage without earning good money for the next 12-15 years, and you might be hungry and cold in retirement, best go perm, at least until the contract market looks healthier.

You're probably somewhere in between those two extremes. But you are probably closer to one than the other. The risk in the contract role is probably much higher. The reward also is higher. How much does the risk matter to you in your circumstances, and how much does the reward matter to you in your circumstances?

I jumped from perm at about your age. But honestly, I could have retired, if what I wanted to do wasn't more fun.

Perhaps this is my mid life crisis moment that is driving me to push my boat out and step out of the comfort zone. I wanted to give it one more shot before the old age truly catch up with me. My mind refuses to accept my age. I got bored very quickly after taken VR not having a regular hobby to occupy my time. Since I am going back to work for money, I might just make as much as I can. Otherwise I might work as a volunteer for my local charity instead. For the reasons I listed in my other responses, I am willing to take the risk. Even if I only contract 60% of a year, the bottom line is the same as FT.
It’s certainly character building to deal with uncertainties and rejections. What doesn’t kill us make us stronger

[WindySong]

One major factor whether you like it or not is your age. I've worked at several FTSE100 and Fortune 500 firms and hardly anyone in the IT department was much over 50.
As time goes by, it's less likely you'll be offered a perm role. Another year or two and companies will be wondering when you'll be planning to retire which will make them even less likely to consider you.

I did feel OLD and out of place in my previous gig working alongside of consultants who are in their mid 20 to 30s. They are keen and willing to do the long hours, long commute (across countries) and living out of the suitcase every week. At least with contract I know it’s a temporary arrangement.

This time round, I have not encountered much ageism. They are not supposed to ask for your age and if like others described one works on the CV to take out the time reference. They only asked for my ID when the offer is made. If after reviewing the age the offer is withdrawn, that’s definitely doggy! Perhaps because I have spent so long as a perm that I wanted to explore and be free. I think only time will tell if I have chosen wisely. Wish I have a crystal ball!

[WindySong]

I would go one further.

Take the contract now, irrespective of aims come April. Once in, work to Prove your method of operating places you outside IR35 and, before renewal times closer to April, be prepared to educate from within on the basis of a bullet pointed list of proofs.

Money-wise, bird in the hand etc also suggests going for the contract role.

This is one of the reasons I am choosing this contract because it’s early days so I have more of a say in how it’s going to work rather than trying to fit in an existing team. And oh the politics come with it

[BABABlackSheep]

I should probably do this but my CV also has a full career history with dates. Did you just remove dates from your earlier career info or just slice off anything more than (say) 20 years ago?

I’ve worked that many places. I just included the last 15 years. I then have a significant other experience section, but I just amend these dependent on the role and if they are relevant. I don’t say when I worked there. So for example, if I apply for a Public sector role, I include all of those gigs.

I nowadays get caught out by not having specific experience in a particular industry. Its because there are so many applicants for every role, agencies want to place(whittle down)people who have worked at that place before or somewhere very similar. Never mind who’s actually good at what they do.

[WLB2018]

If I was in your situation I think I would probably opt for the perm role, my reasons would be that with the uncertainly of IR35 and Brexit *sigh*, I would use the stability (well as much as a perm role gives) to ride the storm until things settle down.

I also think the longer you leave it (the closer to April 2020) the harder it will become, less contract roles (potentially, or more likely classed as inside) and tougher competition on both contract and perm roles.

Oh the joys!

WLB

[Amanensia]

I should probably do this but my CV also has a full career history with dates. Did you just remove dates from your earlier career info or just slice off anything more than (say) 20 years ago?

I rejigged my CV a couple of years ago to remove references to age and dates. Instead I now give some sample engagements, including client details but without dates, highlighting the relevant skills and experience from each etc. I've been going for 20 years with over a dozen different clients so I pick and choose which sample engagements to include based on the target role.

[Snooky]

I’ve taken all reference to my age off my cv

I should probably do this but my CV also has a full career history with dates. Did you just remove dates from your earlier career info or just slice off anything more than (say) 20 years ago?

[WindySong]

Thanks to all your thoughts and advice. My own thought pattern is along the same lines. With all the risks taken into consideration, my heart is still on taking a chance, third time lucky...fingers crossed!

The biggest deciding factor is the flexibility to take minimum salary and dividends due to my BTL income. TBH, I don’t have to work but a few more years to build up the funds will give me more flexibility in my retirement. Hence my motivation for putting up with the long commute. Also, I aim to WFH on occasions whenever I can once settled in.

The tricky thing is both jobs offers good prospect and I will be more marketable once I finish the project. It’s on a growth area which is dominated by contractors. Hence the reason for the increased pay on the permanent job because companies found it difficult to recruit perm on the midget salaries. Anyone with a few years of experience would be attracted by getting double the salary going on day rate. I won’t have considered the permanent role if the market was better, just bad timing.

So all thing considered, I am jumping in with both feet. Hopefully I will last longer than the previous contracts. Wish me luck!

[WindySong]

I’ve taken all reference to my age off my cv. It’s against the law to discrimiate on age, but I don’t want anything going against me.

As far as the OP. All depends on your financial position.

However, those journeys will grind you down. Personally I would take the contract and stay the odd night away, you can afford to. Couple that with flexible working and you have a lot less stress. Instead of 10 journeys, you could get it down to 4 or 5 a week.

Also building up cash in your ltd company gives you options later in life if your wife decides to stop working.

Go with your gut is my best advice, but god I struggle with these decisions myself.

I did the same when I came back on the market, In fact I didn’t even feel comfortable showing how long I stayed at my first job as a Graduate trainee. TBH, I found most agent only cares about the most relevant experience which is my last 4 years.

I am concerned about the journey too although I did it for a couple of years in my 30s, it’s certainly not something I look forward to. However the last gig was in London and I hated the packed commute. At least I have a guaranteed seat enjoy my lovely car which hardly get used and I have already talked with the other half about staying away some nights.

[WindySong]

take the contract on the proviso that it will be outside IR35 when the client has to make the determination. You may need to help them make that decision. Make sure you clearly understand what is needed for it to be outside and make it just like that.

The rate is not brilliant, but it's a damn sight better than £80k.

From the tax position is definitely a better for me personally because I intend to put the maximum possible to pension and top up the previous years too. This also reduces the tax liability significantly which is worth another £9k. But of course all depends on how long I hang onto the contract. As others are saying and my own experience, it can stop as quickly as it starts.

[BABABlackSheep]

I’ve taken all reference to my age off my cv. It’s against the law to discrimiate on age, but I don’t want anything going against me.

As far as the OP. All depends on your financial position.

However, those journeys will grind you down. Personally I would take the contract and stay the odd night away, you can afford to. Couple that with flexible working and you have a lot less stress. Instead of 10 journeys, you could get it down to 4 or 5 a week.

Also building up cash in your ltd company gives you options later in life if your wife decides to stop working.

Go with your gut is my best advice, but god I struggle with these decisions myself.

[ruasonid]

All good comments above. Age bias is a factor that I've experienced in recent contract roles, and cannot imagine it would be any better in a perm job. Whilst employers say they "accommodate" for various needs I've yet to see anything that addresses mature workforce. I'd incline toward the contract role, simply because you can keep looking and move as and when you like. Yes, the market is tough at the moment but its no easier to get a perm job (and then you have to jump through hoops like tests, videos, and multiple protracted interview stages, etc.). One other thing I would consider is which option would give you the best possibility to enjoy life overall. Good luck.