Contracting outside of London/Moving to the coast

[LouC]

Hi there everybody

I've been contracting in London (as an Oracle DBA) for many years now, but the time has come to leave this fair (dirty, busy) capital and move to the sticks.

We're thinking about going somewhere near the coast, maybe to Norfolk (around Norwich), or Bournemouth, or anywhere esle near a beach...

I've been getting alerts from Jobserve about these places and there seems to be zero work around.

Is this actually the case? Or do agencies there advertise more locally?

Do any contractors live or work near coastal towns/cities? How do you find the job market?

Any info/thoughts/happy tales would be appreciated

Lou

[richard-af]

They ARE thin on the ground on the coast. I've looked into it (Oracle DBA work). You might get something, but then be in the poo position of needing to either commute to London (direct train to Paddington from B'mouth), or sell-up and move back to a city, if/when the job/gig ends. Save up and retire there may be the best you can hope for. Sorry.

[Bagpuss]

I wouldn't move to Bournemouth, unless you want to practice your fighting skills

[Flubster]

I live near Southampton and never even seen a gig relating to my skillset (SAS) in my locality apart from the odd one or two. Since starting contracting two years ago, my shortest commute has been 1.5hrs (e/w).

However, I like where I live and wouldn't move closer to the work (i.e. London)...

[Bagpuss]

I live near Southampton and never even seen a gig relating to my skillset (SAS) in my locality apart from the odd one or two. Since starting contracting two years ago, my shortest commute has been 1.5hrs (e/w).

However, I like where I live and wouldn't move closer to the work (i.e. London)...

There are a few Pharms that use SAS people not that far away.

[daviejones]

I live on the East Coast but have to live away during the week...there is NOTHING doing in the little sea-side towns. I get to Liverpool Street in about 90 mins when doing a gig in London.

HTH

[richard-af]

I live on the East Coast but have to live away during the week...there is NOTHING doing in the little sea-side towns. I get to Liverpool Street in about 90 mins when doing a gig in London.

HTH

Doesn't the long commute (distance-wise) make it more likely that you'll be late or absent, owing to rail foul-ups?

[gingerjedi]

London is the centre of the universe and there are no jobs beyond the M25, you are better off staying put and leaving us country bumpkins to pick up the scraps.

HTH

[LouC]

Wow, not what i was hoping for!

I thought it'd be like, 'come on in, the water's fine!'

Hmmm....Don't like the idea of a 3 hour commute everyday.

C'mon people, there must be some success stories - don't be shy!

Thanks to everyone that's replied so far...

[DimPrawn]

What are you expecting? Herne Bay to be the IT hub of the UK?

Move to the coast if:

1. You don't mind a 4 hr commute each day
2. You have a plan b that pays the bills and you are leaving IT contracting.