I do love this contracting lark.

[Tasslehoff]

I have been doing it now for about a year and a half. I have cleared my considerable debts, and have amassed a large amount of savings that I would have never dreamed possible a couple of years ago slogging away in my Permie role.

4th contract in and I have improved my skill-set in each and every role. Into my 2nd week in my current gig and it’s 30 mins away on the bus, strict 8-4 culture (which I am happy to copy! Prof working day and all) and the client is happy thus far.

I went to a local comp in one of the poorest areas of the country (once described as “Little Beirut” by a National Red top) and I would wager my income last year would be higher the majority (if not all) of my class mates. I have found myself over the past few months giving thanks very often for how lucky I am.

I am earning, learning and loving my work. I don’t know how long this climate will continue but if I can squeeze 5 years out of this, I have a great chance of clearing my Mortgage.

Long may it continue!

[tractor]

...

It's a great career choice. Not for everyone but glad it's working for you

[tomtomagain]

Keep working hard. Keep learning. Don't get addicted to the money. Don't become arrogant.

And in another 18 months you'll be in a very strong position.

[MarillionFan]

It's a great career choice. Not for everyone but glad it's working for you

It's like a warm blanket with a hot water bottle and fluffy pillow. Not everyone can do it and you need a set of skills and personality to match (Unless youre a low grade bod of the likes of SimonMac at which point the ability to hold a screwdriver is more important than personality).

There are next levels above contracting which brings even more rewards but very few reach those hallowed levels.

[Elliegirl]

I vote this post of the Year. Lovely to see someone actually grateful for being in this position.
The sensible ones of us don't take this lifestyle for granted. It can end in the blink of an eye; we have no job security, no paid holidays etc. But I'd be on a fraction of my current wages if I had gone for any number of permie roles. My mother stilll can't get her head around my wages, especially as she's on less than £20k a year in the NHS. I thank God for contracting every single day.

[BrilloPad]

But can you bleed a radiator?

[RSoles]

My mother lives for the day when I get 'a real job'.
Afraid she doesn't get it at all.

[PerfectStorm]

There are next levels above contracting which brings even more rewards but very few reach those hallowed levels.

Entrepreneurship? Being the director of a proper company (with staff, multiple clients etc)?

[jmo21]

My mother lives for the day when I get 'a real job'.
Afraid she doesn't get it at all.

My mother in law and family all sympathise when I'm between contracts 'hopefully something will come along soon', 'its tough out there' etc

We're more than comfortable but not flashy in any way, and I don't want to correct then anyway as it would be too crude to discuss what I earn and of course it's really none of their business. So I just nod along 'yeah hopefully I'll get something soon'.

[SueEllen]

I went to a local comp in one of the poorest areas of the country (once described as “Little Beirut” by a National Red top) and I would wager my income last year would be higher the majority (if not all) of my class mates. I have found myself over the past few months giving thanks very often for how lucky I am.

So now we know where you are from!

How your classmates are doing shouldn't really interest you and you should really avoid them as some of them will probably be serving time or have done so already.