Short term contracts

[MistyB]

Also inspired by Bramshotts "Pangs of grief" thread...

I've been wondering how on earth I will ever manage / be able to go back to work when the time is right.

Does anyone do short term contracts for part of the school year?

Is it a nightmare from a childcare / household management point of view?

Is it even possible to find short term contracts as and when you want them? (I'm an accountant so think this could work?)

TIA

Bumping this up.

My own experience of short-term contracts is that they are Never Short Enough.

This could be a reflection of both the field I work in (not accounting) and what people seem to want to pay me money to do, but in the last 5-6 years no-one has ever offered me less than about 6 months work and at the end of that period they generally want to extend. There's nothing particularly marvellous about me [modest icon] - what I am saying is that there hasn't been any point at which I've been able to do three months on, three months off, for example.

So it would be interesting to know if in other fields eg accountancy as OP is an accountant there are people who do manage to achieve that short burst of work, short burst of time off pattern.

Hi

Another accountant here. I left full time employment before I had DS1 and went back part time inbetween DS1 and DS2 but then decided i couldnt manage even part time after DS2 so decided to go self employed/freelance instead. I have specialised in financial modelling and work around the kids commintments. I have 3 days a week when both boys are in childcare but this can change during hols.

In the first year I only had one client and the work from them was sporadic but enough for me at the time. I now have a couple more including one which is more like a short term contract which was supposed to be for three months.

I work 9-3 and then when necessary start again when the DS's are in bed. I prefer to work from home but this doesnt always fit in so i try to be flexible.

This works for me for now and at least I am keeping my CV active. I didnt earn much in the first year and relied on DH's earnings but this year is better.

I agree that the short term contract work is never short enough though. I could do with the current one finishing now so I can enjoy the last summer before DS1 goes to school in sept but it looks likely to carry on till xmas!