Reply to: Plan B

[The Lone Gunman]

I didn't mean to take it out of context or cause offense, so I apologise for my cackhandness of a reply.

But you did say in your original post that you wanted a plan B to live like normal people do. Well wouldn't a permie job nearer to home do just that, it'd take away all the points you mention above and it is what most normal people do, but do you really really want this? As you've said you enjoy what you do.

Personally I'd like a plan B so I didn't have to live like normal people.

Wasn't offended, just trying to explain myself better. When I get into rant mode I sometimes don't say what I mean.

I was trying to provide one answer to a number of questions.
One was the point about being well paid, my counter was that I do all sorts of ridiculous things to earn that and that my costs are higher too.

I don't mean I want to live like normal people as in the employed.
I see other normal people running businesses.

I mean I do not want all the extra burden that being a contractor brings.
I do not mind the VAT stuff, or the NI stuff, I don't realy mind the travel (though the novelty wore off long ago).
What realy makes me want a plan B is the uncertainty of the tax regime I have been forced into and the increasing difficulty in turning a decent profit.

I do not like computers or software, I just happen to be quite good with them (I don't want to sound like I am bragging either) so I determined to make a living from them. I do not see why I am faced with all sorts of artificial barriers just because my talents landed in this field.
The peculiar way my industry works is seen as a reason to expose me to all kinds of legislation and prejudice that others, some in more lucrative fields, will never be exposed to.

I have worked very hard to develope a name for myself and after 10 years I finally got a call from an agent because he had heard of me. I landed my last contract because I have a reputation.
I do have a number of assets that my work has brought.
If I have made a mistake in the previous 6 years and not quite got the contract right, no matter how much I protest, no matter how much my clients, my agents or myself may state otherwise it could all be taken away from me because Gordon thinks I am not in business.

I try not to think about such things as it scares the tulip out of me.

Normal folks do not have such worries.

[gables]

Unless the only permanent jobs you can find are with software houses: who will send you off to the same clients to do the same work, but on their terms.

Defo better to stay a contractor than do this.

[gables]

You have taken that out of context with the rest of my post and this thread. My fault for not being clearer.

Most normal people do not get up at daft o'clock on a Monday to catch a train/flight to be at work in another country/city, live away from there friends and family all week and then do the reverse for the weekends.
Most normal people do not work ridiculous hours because Tues to Thurs to get enough hours in to make Mondays and Fridays shorter, though oddly enough living away from home helps as I have nothing better to do.
Most normal people do not exhaust the list of decent places to eat very quickly so that dining out becomes a (necessary) chore.
Most of all, most normal people do not have to keep watching their back to make sure they are compliant with ever more restrictive tax regimes.

I enjoy what I do and it is my choice to do it, but if there were another option (a plan B) I would take it.

I didn't mean to take it out of context or cause offense, so I apologise for my cackhandness of a reply.

But you did say in your original post that you wanted a plan B to live like normal people do. Well wouldn't a permie job nearer to home do just that, it'd take away all the points you mention above and it is what most normal people do, but do you really really want this? As you've said you enjoy what you do.

Personally I'd like a plan B so I didn't have to live like normal people.

[expat]

But don't most (normal) people travel to the same place each day, sit in the same seat, for a set number of hours and then go home?

You can of course do this by getting a permanent job, also you might be surprised that people probably look at what you do and think blimey that must be fun.

Just a thought.

Unless the only permanent jobs you can find are with software houses: who will send you off to the same clients to do the same work, but on their terms.

[The Lone Gunman]

But don't most (normal) people travel to the same place each day, sit in the same seat, for a set number of hours and then go home?

You can of course do this by getting a permanent job, also you might be surprised that people probably look at what you do and think blimey that must be fun.

Just a thought.

You have taken that out of context with the rest of my post and this thread. My fault for not being clearer.

Most normal people do not get up at daft o'clock on a Monday to catch a train/flight to be at work in another country/city, live away from there friends and family all week and then do the reverse for the weekends.
Most normal people do not work ridiculous hours because Tues to Thurs to get enough hours in to make Mondays and Fridays shorter, though oddly enough living away from home helps as I have nothing better to do.
Most normal people do not exhaust the list of decent places to eat very quickly so that dining out becomes a (necessary) chore.
Most of all, most normal people do not have to keep watching their back to make sure they are compliant with ever more restrictive tax regimes.

I enjoy what I do and it is my choice to do it, but if there were another option (a plan B) I would take it.

[Churchill]

I'm sure that they do, but as most people who have done the business travel bit will testify, the novelty soon wears off.

Yup, I concur.

[gables]

I'm sure that they do, but as most people who have done the business travel bit will testify, the novelty soon wears off.

Totally agree.

[bobhope]

But don't most (normal) people travel to the same place each day, sit in the same seat, for a set number of hours and then go home?

You can of course do this by getting a permanent job, also you might be surprised that people probably look at what you do and think blimey that must be fun.

Just a thought.

I'm sure that they do, but as most people who have done the business travel bit will testify, the novelty soon wears off.

[gables]

I want a plan B so I can possibly live like normal people do.

But don't most (normal) people travel to the same place each day, sit in the same seat, for a set number of hours and then go home?

You can of course do this by getting a permanent job, also you might be surprised that people probably look at what you do and think blimey that must be fun.

Just a thought.

[The Lone Gunman]

Okay then, what's so bad about contracting that makes you want a plan B - you're well paid aren't you?

Talking as an ex-contractor now living plan B (as a freelance writer), I wondered why everybody want's, so desperately, to get out.

I wanted to leave because the money was the only reward! Even solving interesting puzzles didn't do it in the end because most others never understood the solution! Recognition is sorely lacking - I think.


WARNING: Answers may be quoted on the CUK front page

Money isn't everything though is it. Sure it helps, but there are other factors.

I have been dragging my arse around Europe for nearly 10 years. I have an intimate knowledge of a number of airports and railway stations, which I seem to see more of than my own house.
I see my wife for 2 days a week.
I rarely get to spend time with my mates, or indulging in my favourite hobbies. My motorbike and kite buggy have covered less miles than they should have done recently.
Sure I earn a decent rate, but that does not compensate for the life I have to lead.
Rates are not what they used to be either. Rates used to more than compensate for the sacrifices but not anymore. No more booking into the first hotel you see because you can afford it. These days it is a case of finding a B&B to make the money go far enough.
On top of that we have the GB/TBies to deal with. NL seem to be making it harder and harder for me to ply my trade. I am constantly worried that I will be scuppered by a contract clause or that some new legislation or a back dated re-interpretation will cost me everything.

I want a plan B so I can possibly live like normal people do.

[DimPrawn]

It isn't the work that I dislike, it's the corporate environment. An office environment is a terrible place to spend most of your day, so much misery, boredom, suffering and politically motivated slimey folk. People so rarely produce anything of any worth in such an environment, it's a sad thing to witness so many people wasting their lives.
The best part of any contract is accelerating away at the end of the final day, cash in the bank.

That is exactly how I look at it.

[ratewhore]

Ultimately, IT is dull and plan B's are a bit more interesting. If your plan B is duller than IT then you should give up all hope now!

Nothing more to be said...

[shoes]

I wondered why everybody want's, so desperately, to get out.

It isn't the work that I dislike, it's the corporate environment. An office environment is a terrible place to spend most of your day, so much misery, boredom, suffering and politically motivated slimey folk. People so rarely produce anything of any worth in such an environment, it's a sad thing to witness so many people wasting their lives.

The best part of any contract is accelerating away at the end of the final day, cash in the bank.

[wendigo100]

Okay then, what's so bad about contracting that makes you want a plan B - you're well paid aren't you?

Talking as an ex-contractor now living plan B (as a freelance writer), I wondered why everybody want's, so desperately, to get out.

I wanted to leave because the money was the only reward! Even solving interesting puzzles didn't do it in the end because most others never understood the solution! Recognition is sorely lacking - I think.


WARNING: Answers may be quoted on the CUK front page

I don't want to get out of contracting. I enjoy what I do and I'm paid reasonably well. It's insecure, but moving around makes it more interesting.

However, the only problem is that I can only sell my time once, which limits earning potential. Hiring other people can be a nightmare these days, so I don't want to go there.

Plan B for me would be something that is not being paid for personal services.

[Buffoon]

WARNING: Answers may be quoted on the CUK front page

Given that warning.

I spend all of my waking hours for the social good. I pay all my taxes on my revenue. I only draw minimum wage. All other profits are donated to the New Labour party. In my few sleeping moments I dream of the glorious democratic socialist republic we are building.

I have won the victory over myself, I truly love Big Brother.