Interested to know people's plans for next 1-2 years

[rexx]

Many of those options are short term or so small it's irrelevant so not really a list of options.

If you really were open to a list of potential options that will see you through to better times then I think it's very short sighted (and incorrect) relate perm to 'shackles' and discount the option. There are many contractors here that have gone perm and are enjoying it, as do the perms that have never worked any way. I'd re-align your thinking so you make the most of any opportunity that comes along, not get blinkered due to an incorrect attitude.

I agree there can be some good perm jobs. But for me making the most in the next 2 years is important so i will take a few months off and update my skills to increase my chances of getting a good contract. inside or outside will not really matter as long as the rate is good..
then off to Vietnam ,,,

[DevUK]

Many of those options are short term or so small it's irrelevant so not really a list of options.

If you really were open to a list of potential options that will see you through to better times then I think it's very short sighted (and incorrect) relate perm to 'shackles' and discount the option. There are many contractors here that have gone perm and are enjoying it, as do the perms that have never worked any way. I'd re-align your thinking so you make the most of any opportunity that comes along, not get blinkered due to an incorrect attitude.

No argument here (so don't expect another response!) and everyone is entitled to their opinion. I also respect your desire to find confrontation in every post and I would never judge someone's hobby.

I would however suggest it's a little closed minded to determine that someone else's personal view is wrong/short sighted. Perm may be a route for some and that's cool. It's not for me right now. Just like I don't much like broccoli. I suspect that might offend you as well on some level!

Perhaps I'm not the one who needs to re-align their thinking. Just a thought ;0)

I have to say, I would be inclined to agree with you and I've commented on the same thing with northern lad before. Perhaps pretty confrontational at times. That said, I couldn't agree with him more here. I think he's potentially saving you from a world of pain.

[BR14]

figure out a way to stay afloat, probably contract for smaller firms that are exempt from IR35.

But most importantly, avoid any ****ers like the plague that have banned PSC's. Also spread that to any other contractor I can find. Personally I want them to suffer.

Clientco was only offering FTC (and then not to everyone) or PAYE via Agency so I quit (had only been there 4 months anyway - most of my gigs are short).

Have some remote work with a foreign clientco which I hope will tide me over.

Agree about Clientcos with PSC bans and am planning on changing personal away from HSBC bank for this reason.

they'll be quaking in their boots.

[Peoplesoft bloke]

figure out a way to stay afloat, probably contract for smaller firms that are exempt from IR35.

But most importantly, avoid any ****ers like the plague that have banned PSC's. Also spread that to any other contractor I can find. Personally I want them to suffer.

Clientco was only offering FTC (and then not to everyone) or PAYE via Agency so I quit (had only been there 4 months anyway - most of my gigs are short).

Have some remote work with a foreign clientco which I hope will tide me over.

Agree about Clientcos with PSC bans and am planning on changing personal away from HSBC bank for this reason.

[mgrover]

figure out a way to stay afloat, probably contract for smaller firms that are exempt from IR35.

But most importantly, avoid any ****ers like the plague that have banned PSC's. Also spread that to any other contractor I can find. Personally I want them to suffer.

[WordIsBond]

Focus on overseas contracts for now.

[Hertsseasider]

Current gig ends 28/2. Been offered a temp BA leading to perm at same client. Politely turned it down.

I'm going to take a break, holiday, bit of golf etc. 2 years back I did the same and starting doing gardening jobs in my village which was hugely enjoyable.

Going to see what happens when (if) things settle down. May retire but not quite sure I am ready yet.

[Hobosapien]

Plan B self-employed local business, with a cloud based web app add-on service as a potential 'passive' income generator to use the latest skills for the CV should I ever get dragged back into the corporate game. Got enough savings (previously known as 'the war chest') after closing my Ltd that I can afford to give it a year and see how it goes.

Have cut my living expenses as much as I am comfortable with so don't need to chase the big money.

I have no current motivation to go back to contracting (and even less motivation to go permie) but would entertain the inside gigs and bang the 40k annual limit into a pension via the pre-tax brolly route like I did in my last contract.

Figure it's time to start spending more time living than working so have an eye on semi-retirement until I'm old enough to actually retire. It does mean my motivation to crack on with generating an income is the toughest task I face each day, there's always a distraction that when I think about it is a better way to fill the day. Today that's mostly watching the cricket, I'm easily pleased.

[SussexSeagull]

Current contract has been deemed outside. Will take it from there.

[GigiBronz]

Flying by the seat of my pants. Life is too short to become another corporate stooge.