Reply to: Advice needed on how to stay ahead of the game and deliver

[oscarose]

1 week in I'm completely loving it, it's so amazing, so much freedom and don't feel controlled by anyone! I just can't stop feeling sorry for those permies...

Don't think I'll ever go back to permiedom even if it pays more!

As it turns out I was overly anxious, the client respects me totally for what I do and of course expects me to deliver, I can wait to go in next week and do a great job! and the fact that I get paid so much is only a bonus.

I like to hear about success stories!
Glad things are going so well.

[nomadd]

1 week in I'm completely loving it, it's so amazing, so much freedom and don't feel controlled by anyone!

...and it just gets better and better from here on in. Just think, this time next year, you'll be a millionaire.

[stek]

1 week in I'm completely loving it, it's so amazing, so much freedom and don't feel controlled by anyone! I just can't stop feeling sorry for those permies...

Don't think I'll ever go back to permiedom even if it pays more!

As it turns out I was overly anxious, the client respects me totally for what I do and of course expects me to deliver, I can wait to go in next week and do a great job! and the fact that I get paid so much is only a bonus.

14

[bluedeyedboy]

1 week in I'm completely loving it, it's so amazing, so much freedom and don't feel controlled by anyone! I just can't stop feeling sorry for those permies...

Don't think I'll ever go back to permiedom even if it pays more!

As it turns out I was overly anxious, the client respects me totally for what I do and of course expects me to deliver, I can wait to go in next week and do a great job! and the fact that I get paid so much is only a bonus.

[Scoobos]

Yeah, makes more sense, should change my mindset from thinking that I'm hired to cover the senior management from getting hit by the sh*t when things go pear shaped.

Look, for what its worth, if it helps. I felt similar on my very first contract - I believed I was punching well above my belt but tbh you probably wouldn't have won the contract if thats the case.

Just go in and do your best, buy insurance if you feel really scared , its not so expensive - hopefully you'll shed all these pre-concieved ideas of how things work that stagnating in one place can do to any person and enjoy the vibrant and varied roles you'll be performing at totally different offices and ethics. Everyone's different imo.

Personally, I don't envy anyone joining the freelance game at the moment , its very risky right now and I understand your anxiety.

I assume its done now , so here's hoping it went well.

[bluedeyedboy]

Contractors are only human. I've worked with many who were no better or worse than permanent employees.

You're paid a lot because you don't get things like pensions, redundancy, annual leave, sick pay (potentially long term), maternity/paternity leave, training courses, you have little to no notice period, you have liability for massive **** ups, client has no NI employers tax burden, you have immediate availability.

Yeah, makes more sense, should change my mindset from thinking that I'm hired to cover the senior management from getting hit by the sh*t when things go pear shaped.

[bluedeyedboy]

Go for it mate! You're putting the IT in Bull5hIT.

I work in telecoms engineering mate.

I think I started the thread off on a wrong note to give off a shallow impression of me. The fact is that I'm rather anxious about starting the new contracting role tomorrow as almost all of my years as a PM were spent within one company, despite a solid understanding of the processes my concern is about the human aspect, how is one to form strong relationships with the project team within days/weeks, and how generally are transient PMs seen by the team i.e is he just another bulltulipter? (my last company didn't allow contractors to manage projects)

If there's nothing constructive to add please refrain from saying anything as I really could do without it now.

[Robinho]

where you're supposed to be super efficient

Contractors are only human. I've worked with many who were no better or worse than permanent employees.

You're paid a lot because you don't get things like pensions, redundancy, annual leave, sick pay (potentially long term), maternity/paternity leave, training courses, you have little to no notice period, you have liability for massive **** ups, client has no NI employers tax burden, you have immediate availability.

[nomadd]

Go for it mate! You're putting the IT in Bull5hIT.

One thing I'll say about the OP: He's getting surprisingly consistent replies.

[Churchill]

I have absolute confidence in my capabilities to deliver, but sometimes when you get caught up in all the permie politics your passion dies, because even having the best skills in the wrong place or position can do you no good. Hence the change to contracting.

My question or reference was more about people who've moved from a lethargic permie role where nothing gets done without the promise of a pay rise/promotion to a contracting role where you're supposed to be super efficient (well contractors are well motivated anyway because of the money and challenge).

Go for it mate! You're putting the IT in Bull5hIT.

[bluedeyedboy]

"I used to be a permie and was an insufferable pr1ck. Now I've gone contracting and blagged a good rate but bitten off far more than I can chew. I can't bully people any more because I don't have any faux powers because I'm not in the client hierarchy at all. Will someone please tell me how to pull my arse out of the fire before I get rumbled".

Exactly - if I were to put it crudely

[bluedeyedboy]

I'm not sure that many people here have gone from having no skills and being an arse to fooling the client that you can deliver what you promised

I have absolute confidence in my capabilities to deliver, but sometimes when you get caught up in all the permie politics your passion dies, because even having the best skills in the wrong place or position can do you no good. Hence the change to contracting.

My question or reference was more about people who've moved from a lethargic permie role where nothing gets done without the promise of a pay rise/promotion to a contracting role where you're supposed to be super efficient (well contractors are well motivated anyway because of the money and challenge).

[bluedeyedboy]

Do you still have all your teeth? Clearly you haven't worked with me. Or any other contractors.

Of course we have mate, it's a joy to work with contractors who're always on their toes

[bluedeyedboy]

slightly different angle lookiong at it. now you have 3 months getting paid to find your next contract? which is quite luxury compare to, out of contract and have to find a new one?

but always remember...we work on 7 days notice... dont get confused, 3 months is definitely not the minimum time you can be sure you will stay there.

I've got 0 days notice

[bluedeyedboy]

Yeah.... contractors don't get fired.

Dismissed then