Noob questionzz

[cojak]

Im concerned that my first contract may expect me to go 'balls out' from the moment I sit down. Is this the case in the non-defence world?

In a word - yes.

That's why contractors are used, they're expected to walk in with no introductions (the hirer is normally off sick/forgotten you're coming), find out what they're doing, obtain as much Project background that exists (or start asking questions and documenting it if it doesn't exist). And they need to bring something to the Project almost immediately.

They're self-starters basically. In my experience this is the crucial difference between UK contractors and a cheaper off-shore contractor.

[The Lone Gunman]

My advice would be push the C# and try for the banking sector. That is where the money is.

[Gibbon]

Thanks I already do or have done both of these in realtime apps. Ada wouldnt be my choice for contracting, it spells defence, I cant think of anywhere else interesting that would use it. Thanks for the advice tho

Trains, planes, swiss banks, ATC and Reuters.

[Turnsleft]

My advice, stay with the Ada/C++ and get into realtime stuff.

Thanks I already do or have done both of these in realtime apps. Ada wouldnt be my choice for contracting, it spells defence, I cant think of anywhere else interesting that would use it. Thanks for the advice tho

[wendigo100]

Piece of piss

[milanbenes]

Gibbon,

what does PoP mean ?

Milan.

[Gibbon]

Turnsleft.

My advice, stay with the Ada/C++ and get into realtime stuff. It's a niche market and the market is bouyant at the moment. Although there seems to be lots of C# stuff around there is a lot more people doing it and tends to be shorter term gigs.

Try to get a 6 month gig using your core skills, get used to contracting and then maybe branch out, but remember milan has cornered the market in tape changing.


Milan. PoP going from public to private if you have the talent, bulltulip etc.
7 years now and only 2 weeks on the bench and that was cos I walked out and that was on my first gig.

[Turnsleft]

Blagging comes easy for me, in my field Ive had enough experience to last as long as I have
Just so you all dont start dipping into defence, I do work hard *ahem sometimes

[milanbenes]

less of it Winston


Milan.

[Cooperinliverp00l]

Hi All,

Im 40 and thinking of going contracting after spending way to many years taking the easy coin from within the defence industry.
I have a good understanding of the full S/W life cycle and skills in Ada/C/C++/Fortran and for the last couple of years have been coding Gui's in C#.
My problem is confidence I have this knowledge across the board but want to concentrate on coding (prob C#, currently playing around with ASP/SQL at home to pick up some experience too).
Im concerned that my first contract may expect me to go 'balls out' from the moment I sit down. Is this the case in the non-defence world? Can someone allay my concerns or add to them? Is it possible to ease in gently?

Welcome to the forum....Don't let these lot on here know you have no confidence as they will be over you like a pack of dogs. My first contract was the scariest time of my life (well almost) and i learnt the most inportant things on the first day.....a simple word that you should take to all contracts and interviews.........BLAG BLAG BLAG

Good luck

[Churchill]

I'm gonna try that on my next contract,

hello new Boss, Milan here, can you take it easy on me 'cos I've just come from 20 years in the MoD doing nout and taking the coin

Milan.

No change there then, eh MB?

[milanbenes]

I'm gonna try that on my next contract,

hello new Boss, Milan here, can you take it easy on me 'cos I've just come from 20 years in the MoD doing nout and taking the coin

Milan.

[Troll]

My problem is confidence I have this knowledge across the board but want to concentrate on coding (prob C#, currently playing around with ASP/SQL at home to pick up some experience too).
Im concerned that my first contract may expect me to go 'balls out' from the moment I sit down. ?

My problem is confidence

there lies your problem

Im concerned that my first contract may expect me to go 'balls out' from the moment I sit down.

FUD ... are you sure contracting is for you... you have to be able to work through the "what ifs"


HTH

[milanbenes]

well, at least you are honest

all the best and keep us posted when you get your first contract and start the work

should make an interesting daily editorial, what it's like for a career public sector defense developer moving into the private sector

Milan.

[Turnsleft]

Hi All,

Im 40 and thinking of going contracting after spending way to many years taking the easy coin from within the defence industry.
I have a good understanding of the full S/W life cycle and skills in Ada/C/C++/Fortran and for the last couple of years have been coding Gui's in C#.
My problem is confidence I have this knowledge across the board but want to concentrate on coding (prob C#, currently playing around with ASP/SQL at home to pick up some experience too).
Im concerned that my first contract may expect me to go 'balls out' from the moment I sit down. Is this the case in the non-defence world? Can someone allay my concerns or add to them? Is it possible to ease in gently?