Contracting or Permanent?

Jan 10, 2014

Paul Cisneros
By Paul Cisneros

Hi everyone i posted this in the freelance thread but think this will be a great place to ask as well.

I've always been in permanent jobs since I graduated uni, but I've started to look at the contract market as a serious option now. It seems like In the uk there are loads of 3,6 and 12 month contracts coming up with great day rates and it's becoming hard to ignore!

i'm currently an instructional design manager for a big multinational firm (been with the company for 2 years) and I've got 6 years experience in training/e learning development and Instructional design (I'm more of an instructional designer than a techy but I have very good rapid development skills and experience as well)

so I was just wondering if any of you could tell me what the market is like out there? I know it got a bit flat the last few years but the recruiters I've been speaking to have been telling me that it's building up again! I'm just not sure whether to stay at my current place or start contracting?

thanks :) 

4 Replies
Bryan Tregunna
over 10 years ago01/10/14 at 7:16 am (UTC)

As there isn't any level of job security nowadays, contracting becomes more attractive. I took the leap four years ago and have been without a contract for a matter of weeks in that time.

A few tips off the top of my head:

  • Maintain a large group of contacts (never burn bridges)
  • Look for the next contract well before the current one expires
  • Don't be afraid to say no (to low day rates and to contracts that you are uneasy about - if it doesn't feel right, step away)
  • Look to widen your skills using a wide range of tools
  • Be prepared to be flexible while not allowing the customer to take advantage.
  • Do a good job and you'll get repeat business  

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