Reply to: Finally got a gig....but why do I feel apprehensive?

[zara_backdog]

I was forced into contracting due to a combination of redundancy, and wife 2 weeks from giving birth (basically, just took the first thing that was on offer, permie or contract).

That was only 3 months ago, and so I'm probably not as qualified to give advice as others. It was daunting at first, but having been made redundant twice in 4 years, I don't believe there is any such things as job security any more, and so may as well go the whole hog and be a contractor (and get paid better for your trouble.)

WHS

That is how I started and have never looked back,although Mr ZD was not expecting

[Ivor Bigun]

I was forced into contracting due to a combination of redundancy, and wife 2 weeks from giving birth (basically, just took the first thing that was on offer, permie or contract).

That was only 3 months ago, and so I'm probably not as qualified to give advice as others. It was daunting at first, but having been made redundant twice in 4 years, I don't believe there is any such things as job security any more, and so may as well go the whole hog and be a contractor (and get paid better for your trouble.)

That got me thinking and made me realise something quite shocking.

Every Company I've worked for permanently, has either gone bust or been taken over and made it's staff redundant. EVERY ONE !!!!
In each case, I left well before (annoying - could have got a payout!)
The timing is not the point - Its the fact they they ALL went under and at the time, I thought each one was a job for life.

I never realised this and its really shocked me.

[kanulondon]

Thanks for all the encouraging words!

As Nicky picked up...I didn't say all the advice was good like....but it was advice all the same and a different view point!

Letter of resignation sent just now...

KL

[Coalman]

similar to me with my first contract. redundancy and nothing happening on the job front. wife was 2 months due rather than two weeks though. i had a couple of very brief phone interviews and the job was secured. the gig was abroad too which was hardly ideal but that first contract is so crucial!

i was nervous but it was a piece of cake. as usual you turn up, they are not prepared, you read documentation and ease yourself in. the trick is to show your worth (in whatever capacity - technical, functional, political, social...) as soon as possible. become indispensable asap.

Can agree with this - started with accidental contract (needed to get out of permie role before made redundant). Best thing I've ever done. First role lasted over 2 years (was expecting 6 months), now with second clientco (doing basically the same thing) and look to be reasonably safe for next 12 - 18 months.

Boom!
and
Good luck!

[Mr Crosby]

Wait till you come to get your next one then reality starts to bite.

[DS23]

I was forced into contracting due to a combination of redundancy, and wife 2 weeks from giving birth (basically, just took the first thing that was on offer, permie or contract).

similar to me with my first contract. redundancy and nothing happening on the job front. wife was 2 months due rather than two weeks though. i had a couple of very brief phone interviews and the job was secured. the gig was abroad too which was hardly ideal but that first contract is so crucial!

i was nervous but it was a piece of cake. as usual you turn up, they are not prepared, you read documentation and ease yourself in. the trick is to show your worth (in whatever capacity - technical, functional, political, social...) as soon as possible. become indispensable asap.

[NickFitz]

Who on Earth has been giving out decent advice on CUK??

Come on, own up!!!

To be fair, he didn't say the advice was actually decent

[TheFaQQer]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the advice I've got off this forum....

KL

Who on Earth has been giving out decent advice on CUK??

Come on, own up!!!

[TheBigD]

I was forced into contracting due to a combination of redundancy, and wife 2 weeks from giving birth (basically, just took the first thing that was on offer, permie or contract).

That was only 3 months ago, and so I'm probably not as qualified to give advice as others. It was daunting at first, but having been made redundant twice in 4 years, I don't believe there is any such things as job security any more, and so may as well go the whole hog and be a contractor (and get paid better for your trouble.)

[DaveB]

I think it must be newbie nerves...

Role is working an insurance company in South West England. The rate is distinctly average but it's a different sector to the one I am currently working in now and supposedly offers 6 months of work...


Guess I am not looking forward to handing in my notice....it'll be my first time

Just wanted to say thanks for all the advice I've got off this forum....

KL

Because you are taking a huge step out of the world of conventional employment ot become your own boss and be the only one responsible for your fate.

It gets better after the first invoice has been paid, honest

[pmeswani]

I think it must be newbie nerves...

Role is working an insurance company in South West England. The rate is distinctly average but it's a different sector to the one I am currently working in now and supposedly offers 6 months of work...


Guess I am not looking forward to handing in my notice....it'll be my first time

Just wanted to say thanks for all the advice I've got off this forum....

KL

My first contract was with Southampton CC. The interview was on the phone and lasted about 2 minutes. I thought it was a bit suspicious that I got a job that quickly. Anyway, after insisting on looking around the place (to see if the job was real), I accepted the role. Interesting bunch of people.

[BrilloPad]

Best of luck : let us know how it goes.

[Scotchpie]

Congratulations on your first contract.

Welcome to the world of contracting. I'm still a newbie too with just 14 months under my belt but I've never felt better. I was a little nervous when I first started but it soon goes so don't worry.

Good luck.

[kanulondon]

WHS

My little girl said to me the other day "Daddy, who is your boss?"
My reply: "I don't have a boss, my darling angel"

One of the many many benefits of contracting.

I'll drink to that

[Flubster]

WHS

My little girl said to me the other day "Daddy, who is your boss?"
My reply: "I don't have a boss, my darling angel"

One of the many many benefits of contracting.

Your mother