Contractors with permie brains

**Gibbon** · 26 January 2009, 10:12

Agreed, 18mnths 2 years Max, However new clients have sometimes questioned the number of short contracts, even though I've been back to most of them.

**Clippy** · 26 January 2009, 10:19

Originally posted by Gibbon View Post

Agreed, 18mnths 2 years Max, However new clients have sometimes questioned the number of short contracts, even though I've been back to most of them.

Agreed, but in these times best to stay put at your current client for as long as possible.

**swamp** · 26 January 2009, 10:29

18 months - 2 years max. Otherwise you will become institutionalised

Actually I've met a number of contractors who act like permies. Many contractors have fallen into it rather than make a conscious decision to be self employed.

**Bagpuss** · 26 January 2009, 10:31

I've worked with contractors who would be better suited to being a trade union rep. On site for 4 + years, part of the furniture, see it as a permie job, but like to pretend they are a business.

**NotAllThere** · 26 January 2009, 10:41

I've been with my current client for 3 years already - though varying between full and parttime. I've been asked twice if I'd consider going permanent - and I've declined the offer politely.

I've been here longer than most of the internals. I expect I'll be working here on and off for quite a few years. Especially as the permies who I worked with 3 years ago are climbing through the ranks, and keep finding work for me on various projects.

As it's twenty minutes from home, highly paid and interesting work, often involving new technologies, I'd be an idiot to quit. I did attend the christmas party last year, for the first time, but only because I helped with the organisation of the entertainment. Usually, I keep my distance from company/departmental events.

**Gibbon** · 26 January 2009, 10:44

Originally posted by Clippy View Post

Agreed, but in these times best to stay put at your current client for as long as possible.

Not for me, got them queueing up, coming to end of a 3 monther and straight onto 6 monther 4 day week and highest ever rate and they've waited 2.5 months for me

with guarnteed extension which I won't be taking

**Clippy** · 26 January 2009, 10:46

Originally posted by Gibbon View Post

Not for me, got them queueing up, coming to end of a 3 monther and straight onto 6 monther 4 day week and highest ever rate and they've waited 2.5 months for me

with guarnteed extension which I won't be taking

What is your area of work?

**gingerjedi** · 26 January 2009, 10:47

I have a client company mobile, laptop and email address none of which I asked for, they expect me to clock in on the company system and I was sent a sick leave form to fill out the other day.

When I started this role I was asked straight away if I’d like to go permanent which I didn’t expect, when I enquired about the rate he said about half what I am getting now. I know I am a disguised employee in their eyes but I never wanted it to be this way, sometimes it’s not the contractor who needs educating.

**AlfredJPruffock** · 26 January 2009, 10:50

Originally posted by Mich the Tester View Post

This morning ClientCo held a meeting where everyone was told about cost reductions, redundancies and savings on training costs (clever!?) and of course contractors.

One contractor then asked ‘so what security do contractors have?’ How crazy is he? Doesn't he understand that we earn more in return for flexibility?

Another contractor answered ‘a savings account’.

The guy has been here so long (3+ years) that he’s started to think like a permie. Personally I don’t believe in spending more than 18 months at a clientco, as I want to keep the independent mind and varied skill set that gets me contracts. What do the panel think?

Aye Mitch

You will find people a strange bunch.

Dont concern yourself too much with the puzzling attitudes of others - just paddle your own canoe and let the rest fret.

My take is that if you're happy were you are working then its better the Devil you know ... but then again Im at the sunset of my IT days and Im more interested in working with good people and working with companies that at least are not harmful in their activities .

I remember the past vainglory days of ruthless ambition as well ; - but I would trade quality and well-being for money - thats for sure.

Away with Ambition !!!

Whatever you do - Good Luck !
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Contractors with permie brains