Hi, new here

[MattH]

Hi all

I was made redundant in December 2010 after 10 years at the same company, 6 years as IT Systems Manager, and been looking since. I was offered a 3 week contract last week, but have never contracted and so was very wary but the more I think about it the more appealing it becomes. I have nothing to loose, everything to gain and the rates are higher than I realised. I had a long discussion with my wife about it this morning and she agrees, so I'm now taking my first tentative steps. Found ths site and found it to be very helpful.

My first question is - for those of you who have done this a while - limited company or umbrella company? In your experience which is best? I'm thinking Umbrella, at least while I get started and get my feet under the table. I'm really not good at all that paperwork and I have no preconcieved ideas either way.

Which umbrella company is best? Looking at the ones listed on ContractorUK their rates seem to vary, be interested in peoples experiences, good and bad. Are there any gotchas I need to look out for? Whatever contract rate I get - even the lowest - it's a lot more than I was on, but without the obvious security. I feel quite possitive about it, but step forward with trepidation.

[administrator]

Hi Matt,

Welcome to the site

If you have the offer of a 3 week contract then there should be no worries taking it as most permie jobs will expect applicants to have to work off at least a month of notice anyway so it won't put you out of the running there.

Limited Companies cost money to set up and administer and also they take a bit of time to learn about. If you have a 3 week job in hand then possibly worth considering the the umbrella company route for this one, see if you like contracting etc and then consider setting up a company when you land the next one.

Cheers,

Admin

[mudskipper]

Hello!

For a 3 week contract, I'd definitely go umbrella - unless you're going to go contracting for at least a few months it's probably not worth the hassle of a LtdCo.

Can't recommend umbrella - but both have regular posters in the 'professional' forums (you've landed in the unprofessional forum).

Read the 'first timer's' guides - links on the right ---->

Then go for it!

[suityou01]

Hi Matt,

Tell me, do you like films about gladiators?
Ever seen a grown man naked?

Where's the booze?

Ha, that's this. A copy of Zoo, that'll do.

OK where's your leak house mate? <tucks Zoo surreptitiously under right armpit like a copy of the racing post>

[EternalOptimist]

you were offered the job last week ?

top tip - if you want to make a go of this malarky, you have to realise that a week is an eternity. check that the offer is still valid.

as far as brollies are concerned, i am ltd, i know nothing about them. If you dont like paperwork, you had better get to learn to like it.

good luck, if you make a go of it, it's the best way to work

[suityou01]

you were offered the job last week ?

top tip - if you want to make a go of this malarky, you have to realise that a week is an eternity. check that the offer is still valid.

as far as brollies are concerned, i am ltd, i know nothing about them. If you dont like paperwork, you had better get to learn to like it.

good luck, if you make a go of it, it's the best way to work

<cough> EO you know the drill!

[Zippy]

Go for an umbrella. I've used Parasol in the past and they are OK (but they all offer the same benefits). You can claim expenses if you are travelling or need to stay in a hotel, for example, but you will be an employee of the umbrella.

Hopefully your three week contract will extend and then you can think about getting a ltd co going. You have nothing to lose by accepting the contract so I'd just crack on with it if I were you. You may need to change your mindset a bit as you'll be going in as the 'highly paid expert' (stop sniggering at the back CUKKers)
Welcome to CUK

Now the serious stuff is out of the way - where's the porn stash? The locals like to know.

[vetran]

Hi Matt.

Well done on the offer, its hard to motivate yourself after being kicked in the teeth like that.

Its money, it gets you back into work which puts you in a stronger position to get other work even permanent jobs. If they ask you in interview why you took a contract for the challenge & money not the lifestyle and you miss the security of permiedom etc Heresy I know for CUK but when needs must.

Take it, keep looking. 3 weeks is not an eternity, may be extended or open up other things. You might get there, fix one problem and see some others which you offer to fix for them or their customers. Your colleagues or ex colleagues may recommend you to others if they know you are available for short projects. Both happened to me.

If you like it then do keep looking for a contract while doing the 3weeks.

Approach your old employer and offer to contract for them on a day basis with a suitable inflated rate based on your specific knowledge, nothing in business makes you smile like getting a large cheque from muppets who shafted you. And you get to see what a mess they are making without you (or not). You aren't begging for your old job back you are offering a service at a premium rate. I did about 1 day a month but my daily rate was double what my main customer was paying! Every cheque was signed by the MD who made me leave . Its not a massive amount but 2 * daily rate once a week can be the same as most permie jobs of slightly lower grade if you can't find a contract.

Approach your old employers competitors, they will have the same problems and you probably have a track record of providing solutions in the market. So if you did something good at your last employer that the competitors would benefit from then its an easy sell. They made you redundant remember.

Key thing is to do all this without apparent anger, its business they didn't need you as an employee they may need you as a consultant, as may their competitors. Approaching their customers is a little more difficult only you can tell if its possible.

Umbrella is probably easiest if contracting is not your long term aim. You can swap to ltd later if you want but opening a ltd signs you up for a lot of paperwork for 3 weeks. Never used an umbrella so can't comment on the best, check notice periods etc but for 3 weeks if they are reputable then its not a massively difficult choice.

[MarillionFan]

Agree with all of the above.

3 weeks. Umbrella.

If you can pick up another one 3 month plus and you think you'll do six or months this year go Ltd.

GL.

Oh and BTW, if anyone askes about Gladiators. You ain't seen Spartacus. Right!

[MattH]

Thanks for the info guys.

I know it's going to need a lot of work on my end and am prepared for that. The more I think about it the more it appeals. I have considered contracting/consulting for my old company - they have 2 sites using the same control systems that virtually no-one knows anything about. I do - I built them and spend 6 years looking after them!

Anyway - looking forward to a new challenge and a new phase in life.



@suityou01 - er.... what? Am I missing something here..... ?