Currently job turned out to be underwhelming. Not sure what to do next?.. Contract? (data engineer/visualisation)

[413x]

I took my current job under pressure with a move due to a take over of my previous company and lack of clarity of my old job security. So I had to rush the job hunt.

Promises of azure/development were made. But haven't come to be. I'm stagnating.
My job is easy. Too easy at 37 years old. And I'm in danger of being left behind.

I'm considering a slightly long term prospect now rather than just the next step.



I'm tempted by contract work:
-My mortgage is secure for 5 years
-I get bored of jobs quickly
-I'd be comfortable with lack of work at times.

But I don't really know what contract work is really like? I fear it maybe a step too far. Especially considering my current "coasting" job.


If it is (it probably is) a step too far. I'd like to find a new job that could lead me into contracting.. If I wish. Potentially a way to contract withing a firm?


Really, I'm at a loss on what to do next. And would rather not just "get another job".



Anyone in or been in a similar position?

 

[dowie]

You mention a takeover so perhaps your current employer is reasonably large? If so is an internal move feasible?

Perhaps chat to some teams that are doing work you find interesting and show an interest, find out what you'd need to be up to speed on to work with them/transfer across and get that solved perhaps?

I don't see why you couldn't go contracting now, though in some respects that is often just another job, perhaps it varies by industry but IME plenty of contractors are doing the same sorts of roles as perm staff - they might be on a 6 month contract, which in the case of a specific project could genuinely be only for 6 months but in plenty of cases I've seen there will be contractors rolling over their 6 month contract multiple times and staying at the same place for as long as a typical permanent staff member.

 

[Rob_B]

If you want fun stuff go with a startup or try to find teams within large orgs that do the exploratory stuff. This is gives relative security vs contracting. Obviously salary can differ wildy between these 2 things, at least in a large enough org you could make internal moves more easily but the pay will likely be lower.

 

[HangTime]

Have you considering working for a consultancy? This may give an opportunity to work on projects implementing new tech and also be able to change projects periodically (helping with the boredom).
There's quite a few consultancies that are looking to hire in the data engineering/Viz sector.

 

[413x]

Have you considering working for a consultancy? This may give an opportunity to work on projects implementing new tech and also be able to change projects periodically (helping with the boredom).
There's quite a few consultancies that are looking to hire in the data engineering/Viz sector.

I have. It might be a good half way point to get a feel for it. But with some of the safety net still attached.

Seems like there are plenty of opportunities out there fortunately.

 

[kindai]

data engineer​

I work heavily in data admin, which crosses over heavily into the engineer department.

What I can tell you.

1) It is BORING AS HELL. When you start you will learn a lot in manipulating the data and working with DB's of various formats and quickly pick up a lot of knowledge that is very handy to have. However, you will quickly find that what you do after is simply re-hashing stuff you have done before, dont expect to be challenged or otherwise progress unless you personally try to advance your own knowledge.
2) You will quickly want to move out of a salaried role to consultancy / day rate. Use the former to build your experience and knowledge and the latter if you really want to bring in some heavy hitting money.
3) Its boring as hell.
4) Once you progress to having a good track record, you can pick and choose your jobs. It gives you an extreme personal freedom with a high level of financial freedom.
5) Did I mention its boring at hell?

Ive seen people come in, burn out and leave the industry within months, you have to have an eye for it and a natural talent for manipulating data, while being able to deal with a very repetitive and often time consuming but not challenging role.

On the flip side, if you can put up with it, the financial freedom and ability to do a few weeks work and earn enough to keep you going for months without having to consider working is very nice, and its a market that is always in demand.

 

[OspreyO]

I loved contracting. Sorry I ever left it.

Don't stagnate in IT. It kills your career. I've got the T-Shirt. It starts by over promising a role, then leave you doing something far less than you were promised. Run.