Surviving Boring but 1st Contract

**northernladuk** · 11 April 2012, 13:11

Originally posted by simplesimon View Post

However this is where I think I made a mistake. I was offered a contract by my old employer (the boring one). Rose tinted glasses made me think that it was a perfect place for a first contract (I know how things work etc..) so I joined 2 months ago.

However I now find myself just as bored as I was before except now as a contractor I feel can't say anything as will risk the job. I also feel that people will feel that I just can't be happy anywhere.

Also find you might be inside IR35 and not quite as well off as you thought as well.

**Notascooby** · 11 April 2012, 13:23

Forgetting the IR35 issue...

Sounds like you're in the wrong job - no fun when project going to plan, too stressed when it's not.

Personally I've never fancied being a PM, too many meetings and spreadsheets for my liking as well as pretending what's written on a plan is actually what is, or is going to, happen.

That aside - What are you doing to make it better? Rather than blaming the company / people / environment, maybe flip this and make it your challenge to shape this role into something enjoyable. Who knows, maybe you'll make it better for the whole project team.

So in short - there's no such thing as the dream role - yes we all look back on happy projects, personally I was a developer, young and never out of the pub....how things have changed.

So it's up to you to make the best of what you've got and change what you dont like, be grateful for an easy role that is hopefully paying well.

**Scoobos** · 11 April 2012, 13:27

Listen to NLUK - he's in the right regarding the IR35 implications - I'm no expert but I'd be betting you're very inside.

I've been there for 2 long horrible years , everyone didnt seem to care and just took the cash, I wondered if I'm just getting old and less enthusastic ...

Without sounding too hippyish, I changed my philosophy to one of Working to Live and putting my private life first, after years of neglect putting my career first I realised that I wasn't really effectively "blowing off steam" after work.

**northernladuk** · 11 April 2012, 13:45

Just look forward to the 2nd contract where you are brought in to a failing project because the team need a scapegoat and spend 3 months being shouted, blamed when it is canned and walked off site for failing. Much more exciting.........

And the 3rd one that gets canned when you are in reception on the first morning and find there isn't a contract anymore...

And the 4 months on the bench before securing the 4th one 400 miles away that means you have to live in a hotel away from the family....

I think I need to go vote on the How Miserable Are You thread actually... BRB....

**Paddy** · 11 April 2012, 13:49

You should be earning good money. Nip out at lunchtime to a Thai Massage parlour. Tell them you want to be happy

**simplesimon** · 11 April 2012, 14:06

Thanks for input.
I do wonder if project management is for me
but at the mo it pays the bills and my real driving factor at the mo is a home..

On the IR35 I was gone for 8months and it is a different role with a different boss. Also as a PM I hope I could argue that each project is unique (brought in to manage a specific one).

However will be chatting with accountant and agency again!!

**suityou01** · 11 April 2012, 14:08

Originally posted by simplesimon View Post

Thanks for input.
I do wonder if project management is for me
but at the mo it pays the bills and my real driving factor at the mo is a home..

On the IR35 I was gone for 8months and it is a different role with a different boss. Also as a PM I hope I could argue that each project is unique (brought in to manage a specific one).

However will be chatting with accountant and agency again!!

Are you a "good" project manager?

**northernladuk** · 11 April 2012, 14:10

Originally posted by simplesimon View Post

Thanks for input.
I do wonder if project management is for me
but at the mo it pays the bills and my real driving factor at the mo is a home..

On the IR35 I was gone for 8months and it is a different role with a different boss. Also as a PM I hope I could argue that each project is unique (brought in to manage a specific one).

However will be chatting with accountant and agency again!!

Permies can work for different bosses so that doesn't differentiate you. It is unique but it is how you are treated by the client, not particularly the work you do. Permie can use the same argument.

If you are contracted to do PM work rather than a single deliverable on a project you could be even more in.

Neither your accountant nor agent has anything to do with your IR35 status (assuming your accountant doesn't do IR35 reviews as well!). Get your situation checked over by QDOS. You agent can get your contract changed (if it reflects the real situation) and your accountant can do your books dependant on the status you provide to them.

**cojak** · 11 April 2012, 16:15

Originally posted by simplesimon View Post

Hi All,

<self-pitying whine>

However I now find myself just as bored as I was before except now as a contractor I feel can't say anything as will risk the job. I also feel that people will feel that I just can't be happy anywhere.

Is it so wrong to want to work hard and do a good job in a place with the right tools to do it?

How do I stay motivated where I am for the next 10months ? Unfortunately I do really need to stay as saving for the huge deposit and my wifes income is tiny > 10k..

You are joking aren't you?

You're a contractor now man, act like one.

Think of the money and get on with it. If you haven't got the right tools, buy them and take them with you when you've finished.

Surviving Boring but 1st Contract