Another becoming a permie thread

[Old Greg]

I know how you feel! I'd be quite happy just working 26 weeks in any 52 ie 2 x 13 week contract, a straight 26 week contract or any other combination etc.

But you just know that despite all the talk of a flexible 'labour market,' clients and particularly agents label you as useless or something wrong with you because you arent permanently in contract and havent been somewhere for 1, 2, 3 or more years!

Last year, I was asked 'why was there a gap on your cv 3 years ago?'! They couldnt read the fact I'd been at a place for nearly 3.5 years without a break so decided to take some time out in Nov \ Dec \ Jan!

At least I don't get that. I've started taking more part time roles. At the moment I am contracted to work 26 days over 3 months - lots of time for other things, and it covers household outgoings after tax. Alternatively, I sometimes run two part time contracts alongside each other, which is hard work but lucractive. As you say, flexibility is nice, and I'll miss it.

[BolshieBastard]

Have applied for three permie roles in the last month.

One offered me job but not enough money.
One may or may not offer me the job but I won't take it.
The third - I am waiting for a formal offer and if it arrives will take it.

Reason: I am stuck in an industry I am desperate to leave, or at least not still be in in five years. Permie job is different sector, industry and job function so there's no way I can step into it as a contractor. Also, public sector contracting is becoming a pain with some (but not all) clients.

The loss of tax advantages and flexibility to work part time when I can will be painful, but it is part home based / part office based (35 minutes from home). Certainly won't miss the commuting. Pay is 180 x my typical daily rate.

So if it comes off, I will sit on the CUK naughty step until I'm ready to rejoin the group.

I know how you feel! I'd be quite happy just working 26 weeks in any 52 ie 2 x 13 week contract, a straight 26 week contract or any other combination etc.

But you just know that despite all the talk of a flexible 'labour market,' clients and particularly agents label you as useless or something wrong with you because you arent permanently in contract and havent been somewhere for 1, 2, 3 or more years!

Last year, I was asked 'why was there a gap on your cv 3 years ago?'! They couldnt read the fact I'd been at a place for nearly 3.5 years without a break so decided to take some time out in Nov \ Dec \ Jan!

[Old Greg]

Have applied for three permie roles in the last month.

One offered me job but not enough money.
One may or may not offer me the job but I won't take it.
The third - I am waiting for a formal offer and if it arrives will take it.

Reason: I am stuck in an industry I am desperate to leave, or at least not still be in in five years. Permie job is different sector, industry and job function so there's no way I can step into it as a contractor. Also, public sector contracting is becoming a pain with some (but not all) clients.

The loss of tax advantages and flexibility to work part time when I can will be painful, but it is part home based / part office based (35 minutes from home). Certainly won't miss the commuting. Pay is 180 x my typical daily rate.

So if it comes off, I will sit on the CUK naughty step until I'm ready to rejoin the group.