Potential First Timer

[BungDittin]

Hello

I'm currently working (as a permanent employee) for a horrendous company, and I'm looking to contracting as a way out.

But I am seriously worried about giving up a permanent job (no matter how bad) in order to start contracting.

Due to my work situation I've got a broad skillset but not a great deal of it is particularly in depth.

Also which doesn't help is the fact I'm dyslexic, which means although I can do the work I struggle to verbalise and explain what I've done (i'm worried about interviews for that)

I don't have any professional qualifications, but I have a MSc degree in Internet Computing, and 4-5 years experience of IT experience (using a variety of skills)

Does anybody know of anywhere I can get advice on my chances of being a successful contractor. I've seen general sites, but if I could find somewhere which would give me personal advice it would be benefitial - admittidly I'm not too hopefully of getting this.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice!

[malvolio]

Erm...

There's a valid suggestion posted a couple of days ago a bit further down. Plus go find out how many contracts are out there on Jobserver and the like that you feel you can do. People who use technical freelancers are interested in delivery and skills first - if you can deliver it, anything else doesn't really matter (it's a bit different for consultants and managers, of course)

Rule 1 of freelancing - do your own research and make your own decisions.

Rule 2 - ask for help when rule 1 doesn't work.

[BlasterBates]

.

I agree with the above, check jobserve. Contractors tend to be more specialised than permies. So take your strongest skill and become a super expert in it. If the advert says strong Java, then they mean it. If you´re Java (and most people seem to be these days) then check yourself out with the BrainBench test which is currently free. If you´re above 3 Ithe big banks would expect 3.5) you can confidently go out and dominate the world.

If you earn a lowish salary nobody´s going to expect you to jump through fire-hoops singing Waltzing Maltida backwards. But if you want a well paid contract they do. This wasn´t always the case, but is the current state of the market I´m afraid.