Reply to: Contracting Market

[ace00]

.........

I've been surprisingly successful. Im just getting promoted to a more senior role, picking up a team of direct reports(9) and 16 indirect and I havent lamped anyone.
........
Is the market really tulip or not?

I don't know your previous experience of course but you should consider how the current position will look on the CV when you do go back to contracting. So maybe aim to get 1 or 2 years management experience then move.

[Bagpuss]

Siebel configuration, Oracle, PL/SQL, SQL, unix scripting, C and old mainframe. Data migration, database & UI configuration, data quality analysis, Data modelling. Telecomms, Pharma, Banking. Not one single interview in 4 months. I think it's a little bad out there.

I found it's picked up a bit in my area, last year was much worse!

[Francko]

I must admit, the jobs getting me down. It's a strange one. Im UK based, but I work for Corporate in the US. The hours are anti-social and to make an impact Im upto midnight, 1am regularly.

I've been surprisingly successful. Im just getting promoted to a more senior role, picking up a team of direct reports(9) and 16 indirect and I havent lamped anyone.

In fact, I've outlasted everyone who hired me or were bought in above me. But I did take some extra mentoring and was told to play the politics, kiss a little ass etc and boy does it work. Just had another child(last month) and I previously missed by first childs, 1st crawl, 1st walk and 1st word as I was abroad.

But I now feel dirty and want my life back.

So in a few words you just sold your soul and now you think you can get it back? Forget it. The old MF, the real man, has gone. You now have become a corporate zombie and your life is as shallow as it can ever be... forget about life, family, joys, etc. your only assets for the future will be the carreer status and yearly bonus. You are doomed. There is no way back.

[expat]

Surely it depends what your skillset is?

Siebel configuration, Oracle, PL/SQL, SQL, unix scripting, C and old mainframe. Data migration, database & UI configuration, data quality analysis, Data modelling. Telecomms, Pharma, Banking. Not one single interview in 4 months. I think it's a little bad out there.

[zamzummim]

I must admit, the jobs getting me down. It's a strange one. Im UK based, but I work for Corporate in the US. The hours are anti-social and to make an impact Im upto midnight, 1am regularly.

I've been surprisingly successful. Im just getting promoted to a more senior role, picking up a team of direct reports(9) and 16 indirect and I havent lamped anyone.

In fact, I've outlasted everyone who hired me or were bought in above me. But I did take some extra mentoring and was told to play the politics, kiss a little ass etc and boy does it work. Just had another child(last month) and I previously missed by first childs, 1st crawl, 1st walk and 1st word as I was abroad.

But I now feel dirty and want my life back.

Is the market really tulip or not?

I am a contractor, UK based, but HQ is in the US, other large centers in the far east, on days I am having to be around for Far east hours and US hours - so no difference from you. Also, I too have to kiss ass and go on various dinners to entertain the US and Far eastern big shots whenever they come and visit. I was supposed to do a lot of traveling, but lucky for me they have introduced cost cuttings, and therefore as a contractor they limited my travel!!

[Bagpuss]

The market is badder than a bad thing on a really bad day, in the town of Baddington

HTH

Surely it depends what your skillset is?

[suityou01]

the market has got better!

I am comparing to Sept/Oct/Nov of 2008 and to now.

But there is still along way - Id say Feb 2010 before we start seeing the bounce

Can I see those figures? Where'dya gettum?

www.jobstats.co.uk has a very depressing little graph.

[Liability]

the market has got better!

I am comparing to Sept/Oct/Nov of 2008 and to now.

But there is still along way - Id say Feb 2010 before we start seeing the bounce

[Pogle]

The market is badder than a bad thing on a really bad day, in the town of Baddington

HTH

[Drewster]

............ was told to play the politics, kiss a little ass etc and boy does it work.

feel degrading (I wish I were a contractor)

Just had another child(last month) and I previously missed by first childs, 1st crawl, 1st walk and 1st word as I was abroad.

Congrats on child... commis on Missing 1sts....

[oracleslave]

Is the market really tulip or not?

Is your phone ringing off the hook with agents gagging to get you on one of their many projects in the location of your choice and are you willing to accept £850 a day with the possibility of a rate rise after the first month? If not continue to kiss ass and enjoy the new arrival. It's tough out there.

[MarillionFan]

I must admit, the jobs getting me down. It's a strange one. Im UK based, but I work for Corporate in the US. The hours are anti-social and to make an impact Im upto midnight, 1am regularly.

I've been surprisingly successful. Im just getting promoted to a more senior role, picking up a team of direct reports(9) and 16 indirect and I havent lamped anyone.

In fact, I've outlasted everyone who hired me or were bought in above me. But I did take some extra mentoring and was told to play the politics, kiss a little ass etc and boy does it work. Just had another child(last month) and I previously missed by first childs, 1st crawl, 1st walk and 1st word as I was abroad.

But I now feel dirty and want my life back.

Is the market really tulip or not?

[thelace]

What Unions can you join as a permie IT consultant? I need some backup to push back on my 60 - 70 hour week!!

That's 20 - 30 extra hours you could be billing

HTH

[ddilling]

Don't know about the UK but here in Holland the market seems slightly better than it was in january and february. Unfortunately that's a bit like saying that banging your head against a brick wall is more fun than having a red hot poker shoved up your arse.

Every reasonable contact opportunity that has come my way over the past two months has been in Holland.

- jack sh*t in the UK...

[Fred Bloggs]

Me too, and I'm fortunate to be gigged. But I'm plotting my way out, had enough of city IT an all its tulipe, nice safe public sector accountancy job is where I'm planning to be in 5-7 yrs time I think.

But you'll go insane with the boredom if you do that

Indeed, I'm lucky to be in a gig, hopefully, I'll be even luckier and get the contract rolled over this week for 12 months.......