Reply to: First timer question

[bobhope]

You can measure the state of the IT market by the number of permies looking to go contracting. It is definitely a mindset.

[threaded]

If you need to ask whether contracting is for you, then it most certainly isn't.

HTH

[cojak]

My contract ends beginning of March - I won't be looking until mid-March for a contract to start in April.

I've got a bit of mop-up training to do and I'm going on another course (this is a perfect time to polish the ole' CV and skill set).

Also had an ex-boss call me about a nice little earner starting April.

Always a good idea to have more than one iron in the fire (even the existing client who doesn't know I'm not accepting an extension...)

[Cowboy Bob]

After two years as a permanent Java developer I've finally decided to put my money where my mouth is and move into contracting.

I'm not trying to sound condescending or anything, but I'm not sure 2 years experience is enough to get you a Java gig. I work in that arena myself and the lowest amount of experience you see required in most contract ads is 5 years. There might be low level code-monkey type stuff for low rates, but usually the client is looking to take on an "expert" if they're paying out for a contractor.

[Sockpuppet]

In other words you are "flexible"

Availible at short notice for the right premium. Been offered a 15 day contract in London which I might take and just not include it on the CV.

[Sockpuppet]

Maybe you two should start a thread called.

'Life on the Bench - An unemployed contractors story'

hth

I am employed....by my Ltd Co

[DodgyAgent]

Ok...so I'm 6 days on the bench and counting. At least I dont have a permie job and have to give 1 months notice

In other words you are "flexible"

[MarillionFan]

Maybe you two should start a thread called.

'Life on the Bench - An unemployed contractors story'

hth

[Sockpuppet]

Please notice that SA and Sockpuppet who both offered you this advice, neither one has a contract and as opposed to Fight Club, these two are more like Fright Club. Whooooooo.

Ok...so I'm 6 days on the bench and counting. At least I dont have a permie job and have to give 1 months notice

[jamescoleuk]

To summarise:
- lie to agents about start dates
- arrange real start dates with the clients themselves
- realise that some clients won't be willing to wait

That's all awesome advice, thanks everyone.

[SallyAnne]

"Definately DO NOT quit your job before you land your first gig."

Rubbish. DO QUIT YOUR JOB.

"A months notice is not a long time to wait for the right person'

Rubbish. You need to be available immediately to get your gig - nobody waits for contractors. You'll never get past the agent.

2-3 Months cash is all you need.

Please notice that SA and Sockpuppet who both offered you this advice, neither one has a contract and as opposed to Fight Club, these two are more like Fright Club. Whooooooo.

I've had continual jobs for the last 4 years though, and each one of them has waited for me. So nah!

Just dont tell the agent - always tell the agent you're available immediately. Once the company has chosen your CV, and then gone to the trouble of interviewing you, and they've realised how good you are (maybe thats where you're faling down MF) then they'll know waiting an extra fortnight for you wont be the end of the world.

[MarillionFan]

"Definately DO NOT quit your job before you land your first gig."

Rubbish. DO QUIT YOUR JOB.

"A months notice is not a long time to wait for the right person'

Rubbish. You need to be available immediately to get your gig - nobody waits for contractors. You'll never get past the agent.

2-3 Months cash is all you need.

Please notice that SA and Sockpuppet who both offered you this advice, neither one has a contract and as opposed to Fight Club, these two are more like Fright Club. Whooooooo.

[To BI or not to BI?]

Yeah. I have 2 plan Bs. I think the key is to have one working for someone else which is almost quaranteed work the other for yourself.

First plan B is driving lorries. Well its not great but keeps the wolves away from the door should I want to get a mortgage.

Second plan B is involving recruitment (yeah, I know, I know) but its a different take on it and dont worry its for a specialised market not IT guys. When its finished I dont think there is anything quite like this...but that may take some time as one person doing all the DB work, php, smarty templates takes time.

My plan B was to get Mrs BI to work as a contractor so that I could retire to a life of pleasure, but apparently she had that idea first.... bugger!!

[Sockpuppet]

Well, my plan B was doomed even before it started (just ask SA, she'll confirm that ), so I'll just have to stick to contracting for the time being and get my next gig pretty soon

Yeah. I have 2 plan Bs. I think the key is to have one working for someone else which is almost quaranteed work the other for yourself.

First plan B is driving lorries. Well its not great but keeps the wolves away from the door should I want to get a mortgage.

Second plan B is involving recruitment (yeah, I know, I know) but its a different take on it and dont worry its for a specialised market not IT guys. When its finished I dont think there is anything quite like this...but that may take some time as one person doing all the DB work, php, smarty templates takes time.

[DaveB]

I'd be willing to put a sizable amount of money on the fact that it is the agencies who want you to start yesterday, not the clients. Most clients will wait a few weeks for the right person and in any case won't be in a position for you to start in a hurry anyway. Their own HR processes ( cue ranting about how we are contractors and HR shouldnt be involved ) will take time to carry out as well as the practicalities of things like desk space, a PC or laptop, account creation etc.

Tell the agents what they want to hear. Get the interview. If the client asks you when you can start tell them you need to confirm dates, that you have other interviews etc. Don't commit till you get the gig. You're in this your own now so look out for Number 1 and stop worrying about what other people, especially agents, want.

Once you have the job then you can sort out your dates. A week either way will make no differance to anyone but the agent.