Contracting: should I do it?

nero120

nero120

nero120

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Hey guys,

hoping you may be able to help me out. I'm currently a SharePoint developer for a digital agency but lately I have played the role of consultant more and more, being on-site with clients for the last few months. I have been here two years and am thinking of moving into contracting as the daily rates literally blow my salary away. Thing is, I've just started a new project for a very big client and if I hand in my notice now, my company won't be best pleased (and I don't want to make any enemies here, the SP world is pretty small!). But then again, I really don't want to be farmed out like this any longer as I am massively losing out.

Ive been thinking of contracting as I'm pretty young and don't have any dependencies, but need to maximise my income whilst I am at the top of my game.

So the question is, should I:

a.) hand in my notice right now and deal with the fall out
b.) wait until the project is finished (could be months) and towards the end arrange an amicable departure with them
c.) don't go contracting! Stay in full time work!

Advice please OCUK! :)
 
How much of a salary increase are we talking? Is this guaranteed - have you secured contracts as a contractor? Can you handle the risks associated with contracting vs perm employment?
 
keep in mind that the second contract is the hardest to get. You won't resign until you have your first contract and when you go for your third then you'll have a track record behind you. Take a look at www.contractoruk.com and get a view of the market there.
 
Have you been for any interviews and been offered any contracts yet? If not that's what to want to do. Find out if you are classed as good enough to get the advertised rates.
 
go contracting for sure, dont worry about annoying your current employer as its business. I used to think like you as well. Left a perm job and contracted for two years, managed to save up a huge deposit for a house, I wouldnt of been able to do that on a perm salary.

DO IT!!!
 
FishThrower said:
go contracting for sure, dont worry about annoying your current employer as its business. I used to think like you as well. Left a perm job and contracted for two years, managed to save up a huge deposit for a house, I wouldnt of been able to do that on a perm salary.

DO IT!!!
Click to expand...

Indeed, only started contracting 1 year and half ago, wish I did it sooner. 3 more years of contracting and I could afford to buy a house outright.
 
TangoSixteen said:
Sharepoint experience is really desireable and fairly well paid.

You should have NO problem with finding work.

Do it!
Click to expand...

This. SP is massively in demand. Look on cwjobs.co.uk and the rates for contracting are unreal. I work in SP consultancy role at the moment though not as a contractor. Another few years experience and I'll be doing just that if all goes to plan.
 
Thanks guys, I guess that settles it! Only problem is this project I've just started for barcap is massively important, so I'm not sure whether to see it out ( which could take months) or approach my boss now with my intentions, and offer to continue as a contractor. Something tells me she won't be too pleased, but as fishthrower said, it's business right?
 
Offer to continue as a contractor, it's business, they can't expect you to do the same job for less money, hopefully they should be able to respect that.
 
If the company you worked for wanted to get rid of you to save money they would do it right away and not care about your feelings (unless its a small company and of cause the people you work with will care). you will feel guilty but sometimes I think you have to do what's best for you They can hire someone else if they need to, they might not be as good but then you should be paid more.
 
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