Going on my own
Discussion
Depends on the length of the contract I suppose and the chance of renewals.
The IT market is picking up and if you have good contractable skills and are a willing proper contracter (sharing of information, there to do a job etc) then I see no reason why not if the contract is say 12 months with a 80% chance of extension.
The downside is that if its just a 3 month then if there isnt a ready supply of contracts you may be out in the cold...
The IT market is picking up and if you have good contractable skills and are a willing proper contracter (sharing of information, there to do a job etc) then I see no reason why not if the contract is say 12 months with a 80% chance of extension.
The downside is that if its just a 3 month then if there isnt a ready supply of contracts you may be out in the cold...
Do you think you are on good money with what you do where you are? Is there any chance of progression? If you are at a dead end or being held back then maybe it's time to explore new avenues?
A good thing about contracting is you will see different places and meet different people - and ultimately who knows where that will lead.
As already mentioned, work out sums with regards to how you would survive when inbetween contracts.
Since having my mortgage under control I sometimes look at websites (generally it.jobserve.co.uk) for contracts (SQL / VB / Access), but it's hard to jump away from something stable.
A good thing about contracting is you will see different places and meet different people - and ultimately who knows where that will lead.
As already mentioned, work out sums with regards to how you would survive when inbetween contracts.
Since having my mortgage under control I sometimes look at websites (generally it.jobserve.co.uk) for contracts (SQL / VB / Access), but it's hard to jump away from something stable.
Employed, doing the type of work that you do, in effect your employers are finding your next piece of work for you, and ensuring that you will continue to be paid whatever the work they find. In exchange for that, and doing all the legal stuff like tax, insurance, NI etc etc, they are keeping the difference between what they pay you and what they are charging for your work.
It's got to be down to how well you think you could do all the above, and what the difference in money is. Most likely the situation is continuously variable.
My inclination would be to go into business for myself, but to be very careful how much I spend so that I could afford to spend some time out of work should that happen
It's got to be down to how well you think you could do all the above, and what the difference in money is. Most likely the situation is continuously variable.
My inclination would be to go into business for myself, but to be very careful how much I spend so that I could afford to spend some time out of work should that happen
I am on good money (around £30k for 2nd line role at one of world's biggest software companies) - but I am being held back and I honestly think my mental state is beginning to suffer.
Gf also works in IT and is willing to support me while I start out.
Ideally I'd like to end up where Richard is - but haven't ever got around to starting out on that route!
Gf also works in IT and is willing to support me while I start out.
Ideally I'd like to end up where Richard is - but haven't ever got around to starting out on that route!
Lets get one thing straight.
Contracting is not up!
I have worked in Contract IT recruitment for 6 years and the last two have been as bad as they possibly could be.
The perm side is picking up slowley but the contract side is very very very slow right now.
If you have a job - keep it. IMHO
Sam
Contracting is not up!
I have worked in Contract IT recruitment for 6 years and the last two have been as bad as they possibly could be.
The perm side is picking up slowley but the contract side is very very very slow right now.
If you have a job - keep it. IMHO
Sam
puggit said:
I am on good money (around £30k for 2nd line role at one of world's biggest software companies) - but I am being held back and I honestly think my mental state is beginning to suffer.
Gf also works in IT and is willing to support me while I start out.
Ideally I'd like to end up where Richard is - but haven't ever got around to starting out on that route!
Being with computers all day can err "boggle the brain" a bit !
!. Must be why I am spending a bit of time on PH in order to get some human interaction. Unfortunately (for me) there isn't much going on in IT around my area (East Yorks). I assume you are somewhere "doon sooth"? In which case there should hopefully be opportunities for you without too much disruption to your normal life (accomodation / travel wise).
Don't know if I'm allowed to say this sort of thing, but on your travels if you find someone who wants a complex bespoke database - track me down (commission / beer / optimax available as a thank you). I had a friend who was a useful supply of extra work, but he's moved from Leeds to US (to get a cheap house, ahem). I'm after more gold tokens in the piggy bank marked "TVR".
samn01 said:Sam - for sure the last 2/3 years have not been a pleasant experience for most in IT.
Lets get one thing straight.
Contracting is not up!
I have worked in Contract IT recruitment for 6 years and the last two have been as bad as they possibly could be.
The perm side is picking up slowley but the contract side is very very very slow right now.
If you have a job - keep it. IMHO
Sam
I read a report in the Evening Standard that in London contracting grew by 4% and permanent stayed level in the last quarter.
I'm not going to sit here and pretend that the golden times are back - but its a hell of an improvement!
Richard - you're right, I'm in Reading and live near the station - so the IT hotspots of London and M4 corridor are but a short journey (distancewise, trains and traffic jams see to the time!)
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