Have been benched for about a year now. Took a perm role in-between but resigned after 1 day.
I consider myself a clever person, adaptable. I've been either through a consultancy or contractor involved with blue chip companies from automotive sector. (powertrain or engine R&D)
In two of the places I've been pushed to take the technical lead within 1 year of starting which it was never on my map.
Most of the times I've been involved with high level management discussions.
The part that I am struggling with is "corporate culture" and indentured servitude I've seen being expected in most of the places. I can't also imagine spending my next 30 years working to pay bills.
I've been raised my military family, I am upfront and direct(depending on context) and believe I have a good nose for nonsense. Which potential employers pick up fairly quickly on me and think I would be difficult to manage.
Which is quite true.
I've developed also a strong anti-establishment sentiment and believe most of the social constructs that we have are a lie.
Still looking for the right opportunity but at the same time I am comfortable with the idea that if I spend the rest of my life outside of the system just getting by, I would not regret it.
Contracting was a better place for misfits but if this market won't exist in the future I don't think I can see myself as another corporate stooge.
Voted "benched" as there is still some hope in me that I will find the right crowd somewhere...
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Previously on "Working or benched?"
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My personal problem with the otherwise sensible 'find a permanent job until this is all over' strategy is it would need to be commutable for me and living outside of a city there aren't too many options around.
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Originally posted by CheeseSlice View PostSo looking at the current stats and removing the 'gone perm' and the 'others', we're looking at roughly 1 contractor on the bench to every 2 contractors working.
So it still seems to be better on average to stay contracting (assuming you take home > 50% more than a permie).
Phew, I was getting worried listening to all the gloom-and-doomers!
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So looking at the current stats and removing the 'gone perm' and the 'others', we're looking at roughly 1 contractor on the bench to every 2 contractors working.
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Originally posted by _V_ View PostWhy would you be here if you were "not working by choice"?
Are these retired people, lottery winners?
I mean you might be on holiday for a few weeks, but most contractors I know are sweating if their invoice payment is 24 hours late. Those shiny german cars and large homes in the suburbs don't pay for themselves.
I don't work by choice for at least 3-4 months a year. Some times they are spread within a whole year, some times they are continuous.
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Originally posted by ladymuck View PostThat's assuming the people who are not working by choice aren't included and have selected 'other' instead.
Are these retired people, lottery winners?
I mean you might be on holiday for a few weeks, but most contractors I know are sweating if their invoice payment is 24 hours late. Those shiny german cars and large homes in the suburbs don't pay for themselves.
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Obviously would need to know how many people were out of contract before the crises but 35-40% does sound very high.
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Looks like we have 36% unemployment on the forum. If its a microcosm of the wider economy, we are truly fudged.
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Ad-Hoc projects here and there. Good day rates, but very inconsistent - only have work lined up for another 2.5 weeks
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