Reply to: Lessons learnt

[psychocandy]

Look after no 1

[cojak]

Hi,

I'm into the second month of my first contract and I've read all the good advice on hear but I'm sure at some point I'll realise I've missed something.

What lessons have you guys learnt the hard way?

Thanks

VC

If you want sensible answers don't post in General?

[TheFaQQer]

Leaving teaspoons in cups make your eye hurt when you drink.

[Sausage Surprise]

Don't look at the sun through binoculars

[SueEllen]

I'm too tight to buy reference books too!

I use the interweb.

[BrilloPad]

Always go for a limited company. Never join a tax avoidance scheme.

[eek]

Never be afraid to read a reference book at your desk (but don't lend them out, permies are generally too poor/tight to buy them themselves).

I keep project management and Open Group books on mine. It's not what I do but shows that I code because I prefer to, not because I couldn't do their jobs....

[TheLordDave]

I'm too tight to buy reference books too!

[cojak]

Never be afraid to read a reference book at your desk (but don't lend them out, permies are generally too poor/tight to buy them themselves).

[TheLordDave]

Always know slightly more than the perm you sit next to.

[EternalOptimist]

always concentrate on security. check there is paper before you sit down

[eek]

From my consultancy troubleshooting days (yep we've screwed up, get eek in to fix it) you need to be 1 page ahead of the client.

And if they are ahead of you just state that you need to doublecheck because you're sure there are some unintended consequences. Then swat up overnight.

[mudskipper]

To paraphrase another CUKer:

If you're going to be a smartarse, be sure as hell to get the smart bit right.

[NotAllThere]

I only have two pieces of advice

1. Never tell all you know.

[tractor]

...

I have been contracting longer than most and there are TWO important principles that you should ALWAYS adhere to

1. look before you leap
2. He who hesitates is lost

And if you break your leg, don't come running to me!