Reply to: Shock! Horror! The Dark Side awaits...

[AlfredJPruffock]

Yes I think it'll get tough and there may or may not be a small window to dive into permiedom before it's a tulip fight for anything and everything. One problem is you are probably only marginally safer as a permie, if it is an organisation you know then you can make an educated call but I'd still be wary. You may be better off dropping your rate and trying to cling on that way. My current and previous client have both been sacking permies but no contractors as yet ( ie. the tulip still needs shovelling ).

Aye

There is only one problem with the rat-race - even if you win - you're still a Rat.

Euro-Contractors may find they will be the first out as its very expensive to get rid of Euro-Permies.


Thats show-bizz folks ...

[realityhack]

Yes I think it'll get tough and there may or may not be a small window to dive into permiedom before it's a tulip fight for anything and everything. One problem is you are probably only marginally safer as a permie, if it is an organisation you know then you can make an educated call but I'd still be wary. You may be better off dropping your rate and trying to cling on that way. My current and previous client have both been sacking permies but no contractors as yet ( ie. the tulip still needs shovelling ).

Know them well and they have sacked a shedload of permies in the last 12 months, and half the contractors.

[rootsnall]

General consensus please... do you think it'll really get that rough over the next few months in the contractor market? Anyone else seeing the signs of a turbulent time starting? What sectors are starting to look bleak, if any?

Yes I think it'll get tough and there may or may not be a small window to dive into permiedom before it's a tulip fight for anything and everything. One problem is you are probably only marginally safer as a permie, if it is an organisation you know then you can make an educated call but I'd still be wary. You may be better off dropping your rate and trying to cling on that way. My current and previous client have both been sacking permies but no contractors as yet ( ie. the tulip still needs shovelling ).

[Xenophon]

See my PM... not the most troubled bank in the world.

Agreed and I've replied.

Same goes for my bank, but 'tis getting worse.

Maybe I'm just in a negative mood today!

[realityhack]

Banking is looking rough, haven't you heard?!

See my PM... not the most troubled bank in the world.

[Xenophon]

General consensus please... do you think it'll really get that rough over the next few months in the contractor market? Anyone else seeing the signs of a turbulent time starting? What sectors are starting to look bleak, if any?

Banking is looking rough, haven't you heard?!



Whilst the thought of going permie fills me with dread, it might not be the worst idea at the moment. I'd give it some serious thought as going back into the market and looking for a new contract is not something I fancy at the moment.

[realityhack]

Even if you take the job you can still come back from the Dark Side Luke. There might not be many offers in a few months, and several months on the bench looks worse than several months as a permie.

General consensus please... do you think it'll really get that rough over the next few months in the contractor market? Anyone else seeing the signs of a turbulent time starting? What sectors are starting to look bleak, if any?

[NotAllThere]

Ummm...you flipped burgers before?

Yep. And it's better than the soul destroying, mind numbingness of permie-slavedom with appraisals and performance reviews. Subject to having enough cash in the bank that the minimum wage isn't an issue.

And so long as you're not forced to eat them.

[Bagpuss]

Even if you take the job you can still come back from the Dark Side Luke. There might not be many offers in a few months, and several months on the bench looks worse than several months as a permie.

[oracleslave]

No way, no how. I'd rather flip burgers than work permie in any IT organisation.

Ummm...you flipped burgers before?

[BrilloPad]

<wilmslow mode (my sincere apologies for this)>
I've been given an offer that would mean same basic net income as contracting plus great bonus, benefits etc, and only 1 month notice period.

Brilliant offer really - but if I refuse it's been made clear that my contractor days are numbered (max 3 months) here as they want this role to be permie, with or without me.

Gone out to market but it's shockingly quieter than usual.

Horrible dilemma. Common sense says get another contract if possible, if nothing obvious comes up - take bird in hand rather than risking finding a contract around the end of December. Other people I know (Including contractors) say I'd be mad not to take the offer and ride this (supposedly) rough time out in safety.

Hate the idea of going permie. Really makes my skin crawl. Have been a contractor for the last 9 years - can't remember what being permie is like. Eugh.
</wilmslow mode>

<<<canned laughter>>>

[NotAllThere]

No way, no how. I'd rather flip burgers than work permie in any IT organisation.

[realityhack]

<wilmslow mode (my sincere apologies for this)>
I've been given an offer that would mean same basic net income as contracting plus great bonus, benefits etc, and only 1 month notice period.

Brilliant offer really - but if I refuse it's been made clear that my contractor days are numbered (max 3 months) here as they want this role to be permie, with or without me.

Gone out to market but it's shockingly quieter than usual.

Horrible dilemma. Common sense says get another contract if possible, if nothing obvious comes up - take bird in hand rather than risking finding a contract around the end of December. Other people I know (Including contractors) say I'd be mad not to take the offer and ride this (supposedly) rough time out in safety.

Hate the idea of going permie. Really makes my skin crawl. Have been a contractor for the last 9 years - can't remember what being permie is like. Eugh.
</wilmslow mode>

[oracleslave]

There are some honest agents out there (if that's not an Oxy-Moron). however, it doesn't take much research to test if they are telling the truth, unfortunately he is. It's bleak!

I would agree that it is bleak. When I advertised my own position so I could use my ROS I got tons of applicants, most of whom could have done the job with their eyes closed.

[Bagpuss]

Hmmm. If an agent said it, it must be right. Not that he would have an ulterior motive for suggesting that there are too many applicants?

There are some honest agents out there (if that's not an Oxy-Moron). however, it doesn't take much research to test if they are telling the truth, unfortunately he is. It's bleak!