Thought it was me that said "definately" for a minute!
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Reply to: Too old to contract?
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Previously on "Too old to contract?"
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Actually (ahem...) I was the OP. I'm a software tester with about 25 years experience and an ISEB Foundation Cert in Software Testing. I contracted for about 3 years at the end of the 90's, but apart from that it's been mostly blue chips all the way, including 12 years or so in Banking.
For northernladuk, software testing does indeed need a structured mind, and these days an ISEB cert as well usually. And experience of the full test lifecycle. And knowledge of a shedload of hardware and operating systems. It has also proved a little harder to offshore than development, largely due to cultural considerations, but this is changing of course. And yes, I do realise this is a crap time to start looking for a contract. But thanks for playing Devil's Advocate, that's the kind of mindset us testers like
And yes, the 2 hour commutes do sound rough,!
(Thought it was me that said "definately" for a minute!
Ronnie
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not getting any younger
Do you really want to go back to 2 hour commutes, working away from home? These are factors that your age are definately going to affect.
oh and BTWdefinately
definitely
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Originally posted by Ruse View PostHowever saying that I am certain if a client looks at a CV which has a very large no of short contract they do view it with suspicion.
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Originally posted by nomadd View PostAnd neither are long ones. Especially in this day and age.
Glad we got that sorted.
Nomadd
However saying that I am certain if a client looks at a CV which has a very large no of short contract they do view it with suspicion.
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Short contracts are not a good indicator of the applicants ability.
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Originally posted by Ruse View PostWhat's your skillset that you currently contract with, if you don't mind me asking ?
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Originally posted by Ruse View PostWhat's your skillset that you currently contract with, if you don't mind me asking ?
The important points most of you are missing is which area of work and also the OP's history.
It does say testing but I don't know this work, is it something the whizz kids can do or does this need a structured mind etc? It needs to be taken in to consideration.
He is also permie. You guys get end to end contracts cause your in the market, doing the job, living the lifestyle etc. To come back in from permie puts you on the back foot straight away. The long term contractors are gonna be ahead of you. To beat them you need something special as you are an unknown quantity. You have no proof you can cut the long commutes, working from home etc Do you really want to go back to 2 hour commutes, working away from home? These are factors that your age are definately going to affect. I know it's illegal to do so but lets talk common sense here not law.
Sorry to be doom and gloom but I am playing devils advocate here. Too many people saying yeah go for it and putting a positive spin with no justification except their own personal experience so here is the other side for you to ponder.
I think it will be tough for you to be honest... plus the fact the market is crap. Couldn't have picked a worse time.
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Originally posted by DramaQueen View Post
I've got a cv that's straight software testing for mainly blue-chips. The market doesn't look too hot, but I think it's warming up a bit. Would that be about right too?
thanks
Ronnie
While you are waiting do you have automation/load testing ? Get some training.
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I'm 63. I look younger, and I don't put my d.o.b. on my CV. Still getting regular contracts, so why retire?
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All those young programmers from the 90's are still around and what else are they going to do?....a bit like Paul McCartney at 65 still performing Rock'n'Roll.
C++ is now 20 years old, and Java aint much younger, and C# is just Java with blue knobs instead of red knobs.
nope just as Cobol and mainframes was a young man's game in the 1960's and became an old man's game in the 90's so the same will happen with the newer technologies.
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