Reply to: A good problem to have

[d000hg]

Yep, in my line of work I use an M$ product and my first contract was with them.

Afterwards I didn't work for four months, even with them on my CV.

I wouldn't say it helped open that many doors.

qh

Maybe you didn't get work because you can't spell 'MS'?

[Papavar]

Are you leaving a permi role for one of these contracts or currently unemployed? If it's the latter, I'd go for option 2 as you've nothing to lose. If its the former and are accustomed to a bit more security, I'd go with option 1.

Best all round IMHO is option 3: make each company aware that you have a something in the pipeline from another one and use that to haggle the day rates up!

[xchaotic]

Go with no 1 and given that they sub-market rate negotiate other conditions like the amount of time spent in the office etc

With big pharma you're also very likely to be going through some corporate hoops rather than doing relevant work, such as coding.

I too have learned that on many occasions excellent cv means nothing.

[The Wikir Man]

Purchase Order? You know, the way that real businesses do it

Most would have some kind of terms and conditions agreed beforehand anyway, unless you're just a BoS temp.

[expat]

If you don't have a contract, how are you going to get paid??

Purchase Order? You know, the way that real businesses do it

[quackhandle]

Yep, in my line of work I use an M$ product and my first contract was with them.

Afterwards I didn't work for four months, even with them on my CV.

I wouldn't say it helped open that many doors.

qh

[northernladuk]

Thanks all, this is the kind of stuff I would rather learn from other's experiences than at my own expense.



Thanks, its good to hear, as this was what I was primarily unsure of. It makes my decision somewhat easier being slightly better informed now.

Just to add as well. When the adds say Pharma/Telecom/Banking experiece prefered etc 2 months isn't exactly going to set the agents world on fire either.

[DotNetDeveloper]

Thanks all, this is the kind of stuff I would rather learn from other's experiences than at my own expense.

Don't get me wrong it COULD pay off but don't sit on your laurels thinking Pharma is a cash cow cause it is as bad as anywhere.

Thanks, its good to hear, as this was what I was primarily unsure of. It makes my decision somewhat easier being slightly better informed now.

[northernladuk]

2 month contract with big Pharma means nothing I am afraid. If I had a pound for everyone that said get in to xxxxxxxx and you are sorted for life. Replace xxxxxxx for Pharma, Banking, Telecoms etc

It's just bollocks. You are just as likely to get canned after your 2 monther there than anywhere if not more so. 2 months hardly gives you time to build a network and show your skills off.

Don't get me wrong it COULD pay off but don't sit on your laurels thinking Pharma is a cash cow cause it is as bad as anywhere.

Depends on your aversion to risk but right now (as long as this contract thing is sorted) I would be with option 1.

[The Wikir Man]

Number 1.

Contract might go for a while. No agency so can sort your own contract and payment terms. Good first gig as you are more likely to get a reference at the end of it.

[d000hg]

If you don't have a contract, how are you going to get paid??

I know he already answered this, but working outside contract != not getting paid. You'd have to be unlucky, working with a 2-bit company in some unofficial manner. You don't sign a contract when a plumber comes to fit your new boiler but you still have to pay.

[jim2406]

option number 1 IMO

will ease you into contracting, and they are the kind of contracts that can run on and on.

you can always negotiate a higher rate later on.

[DotNetDeveloper]

If you don't have a contract, how are you going to get paid??

Sorry, no agency contract, so wont be forced to sign anything prior to starting. I'll force feed them a standard PCG contract.

[cojak]

If you don't have a contract, how are you going to get paid??

[Fred Bloggs]

If you have a war chest, take gig number 2. If you need to build a war chest, take gig number 1. HTH.