IT Contractors

[DAIR]

We have any on here?

If so what life like?

Currently reviewing whether on not the contracting life is for me.

 

[DAIR]

Life is good! Lots of roles around at the moment, your location is ideal for MK/Northampton which is a bit of a hot spot

Hot spot for contract opportunities?

 

[DAIR]

Out of interest, do you need a CRB or higher clearance for most contract roles?

Wouldnt know.

But I've need one for my last two jobs as I work within finance.

 

[DAIR]

Here's the IT contracting market:

http://www.contractoruk.com/market_rates/

So to make it simple, average linux rates are £400 a day (up this area more like £300, still...) it's a good chunk of cash each week.

Go see what those jobs want. Go torre.. find the training material, simples

Actually signed up to their forum a couple months ago. a lot of great info on there.

 

[DAIR]

About to go contracting myself. Set up and good to go Final day at permanent role on the 4th of September. Not too many roles available in my field, seems to be plenty of developer roles available though.

How long did your search take?

 

[DAIR]

Well I have a three month notice period (leaving after two, agreed with current manager) so I started sending out CVs as soon as I handed in the notice. Then last week I started hammering agencies and clients directly, letting them know when I'd be available, setting up weekly calls with agents for updates etc. I don't have a network of contacts I'd call sustainable yet, but hopefully in about a year I'll be there. One piece of advice that I was given was: Re-write your CV in the style of a contractor, not a permanent member. Think this has helped quite a bit. That and I'm on agency sites most evenings, making calls as soon as I get home from work chasing applications etc

Brave move.

That's the situation I'm in at the moment. I often receive calls about contract roles. However, the moment I tell them I'm on a three months notice period. All interest is lost - which is understandable.

My biggest fear is that I hand in my notice and fail to secure something before my last day.

 

[DAIR]

Bear in mind that if you are doing it for the money, the new tax rules coming in from the last budget will hit you significantly so you will need to take that into account. I'm waiting to hear from my accountant with the figures.

Got examples?

 

[DAIR]

£370 a day on average for SQL? I'll stick with the day job and paid annual leave and final salary pension.



Yeah, I've worked with some contractors and the money is good but it comes at a price.

There are positives though... Freedom being one of them!