I've only gone and done it....

[tom_loughlin]

Well, after being in my current position a shade over 12months, I have handed in my notice after being offered a contract position.

I realise there is never a 'good time' to leave a job you enjoy, but I thought I had best grab the bull by the horns and give it a go.

I have signed on the dotted line for a 12month contract at a large company who seem to be on a mad recruitment drive.

Set up a limited company 2 weeks ago, got the banking sorted last weekend, so I'm sure the daft questions will follow.

For anyone interested, my discipline is mechanical engineering, and I have never seen the jobs market so good.

Don't really know why I even posted this

[Ray Luxury-Yacht]

You posted because you're excited and a bit nervous about your big decision, and you wanted people to be happy for you and back you up?

I think you're brave but also pragmatic, motivated and forward-thinking. For what it's worth, I applaud you and wish you the best of luck mate!

I've done a similar thing - I've turned my back on my industry that I spent 25 years in, because I can see it's on it's knees. So I start a 3 year degree at University this September to do something completely different! At least you're changing and still getting paid - I'm a skint student now

[iphonedyou]

Good luck! Contract work can offer great opportunities, and a year is a good length of contract for making the move; I hope it all goes swimmingly!

[Eric Mc]

Make sure you engage a decent accountant.

[Dan1983]

firstly congratulations and i hope it all goes well.

i have just posted about Ltd company and banking; would be keen to have any of your knowledge that you have gained!

[pembo]

Good luck with it, I hope it goes well and I'll probably be keeping an eye out for future posts about how it's going.

I'm hoping to do the same thing soon (although I do Civils) as soon as I've had a bit of a minor op done to make the most of paid sick leave and BUPA whilst I'm perm.

The only thing that puts me off is the high chance of having to commute to London every day for the decent jobs but I need a change and at least going contract should give a decent pay hike with it.

[tom_loughlin]

Hello all,
Thank you for your advice and words of support, I'm sure there will be no looking back once I've made the leap.

I've got an accountant set up (I've gone on a recommendation) but have no idea of the differences between a 'good accountant' and a bad one.

Thanks

Tom

[Tyrewrecker]

tom_loughlin said:

I've got an accountant set up (I've gone on a recommendation) but have no idea of the differences between a 'good accountant' and a bad one.

One will put more money in your pocket than the other

[DSM2]

Tyrewrecker said:

One will put more money in your pocket than the other

But they will all put plenty in their own pockets too.

Keep what your accountant does to a minimum. Running a set of accounts isn't difficult, likewise VAT returns and Tax returns.

Take the easy way out and you will pay dearly.

[worsy]

And make sure you put money away for rainy days.

[TooLateForAName]

Go read up on IR35 and S.660