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Anyone enjoying work as a contractor?

2 replies

Consideringachange2023 · 13/10/2023 19:01

Shamelessly posting here for traffic and not on the work thread.

I work in the “Projects” field, am not strictly a project manager although hold a qualification for it (don’t massively enjoy the admin / checklist aspect of the job).

I am more Digital Transformation with aspects of change management, delivery and deployment. Sideline in continuous improvement - lean etc. I don’t have a speciality, I have a good grounding and experience in lots of related areas.

I’ve contemplated contracting for years, the financial aspect worries me a little (no sick pay, holiday pay, pension etc) but I can afford to save up to see me through the transition and of course day rate pays nicely so I could save accordingly to accommodate down time. I could travel a couple days a week if needed so doesn’t have to be totally remote although that’s preferred.

Has anyone made a change to contracting (mainly remotely) and enjoy it? I don’t really care about work place relationships having spent years working remote, the culture and environment is not something I’m bothered about so the thought of chopping and changing every year or so doesn’t really faze me.

I feel like I’d get some great varied experience which could enhance my cv to allow me to come back into the market at a higher level in 5 years. At the moment my next step up feels just slightly out of reach. Is it realistic to use this as a stepping stone? Am I living in a dream world?

I know a lot of men who contract but only one woman. Any positive stories or watch out areas?

OP posts:
WhatACluster · 13/10/2023 19:47

I’m a contractor, just be cautious of the inside/outside ir35 malarkey read a lot about it.

its made a massive difference to our families finances, I earn triple what I used to, and could possibly earn more if I wanted to switch contracts but I’m happy where I am at the moment.

I save up money for when I want time off, have a reasonable amount of flexibility. However the one downside is when you are not working you need a comfortable amount in savings (which I don’t have)

FMW · 13/10/2023 20:59

Yes, I did. I had a good cushion of savings though. I also set up my own pension, life insurance, CIC, etc. I was inside IR35 due to the role but prefer that tbh.

I’m an employee again now (no choice with the role I wanted to take) but wish I weren’t due to the higher rates!

Similar background to you but was in a different profession originally.

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