Shinier contract offer VS long term game

[thelastrosbif]

Hi there, first time poster, long time lurker

My question relates to choosing between contract opportunities

If given the choice would you rather:

A) a less interesting, lower rate contract but in a highly established global firm with possibility for many renewals I.e. Long term business opportunity

B) an immediately satisfying role more related to your preferred technical areas, slightly higher rate, BUT a relatively unknown client of less prestige, and uncertainty regarding plausibility of future renewals?

I can imagine the "true businessman" should opt for Longer term, but then as they say, all contracts are 1 week rolling when it comes down to it...

[LondonManc]

Run a credit check on B then take it. If you're good enough they'll extend for as long as you're needed.

[BolshieBastard]

Hi there, first time poster, long time lurker

My question relates to choosing between contract opportunities

If given the choice would you rather:

A) a less interesting, lower rate contract but in a highly established global firm with possibility for many renewals I.e. Long term business opportunity

B) an immediately satisfying role more related to your preferred technical areas, slightly higher rate, BUT a relatively unknown client of less prestige, and uncertainty regarding plausibility of future renewals?

I can imagine the "true businessman" should opt for Longer term, but then as they say, all contracts are 1 week rolling when it comes down to it...

WTF!? You'll be asking about career progression next.

Im in contracting for one thing and one thing only, to make as much money as I can. Prestige, interest or 'satisfaction dont come into it.

[northernladuk]

Don't plan on the assumption renewals are on tap. Take the gig to be as long as the period on the contract.
I've seen people come to gig's where the client has a reputation they never get rid of contractors and only done 3 months. They look crestfallen. Saying that, the long term option isn't that good either, one of the clients I have mind is just full of IR35 targets.

[yasockie]

If you're in it for 'job security' get a permie job and close the door behind you.
As others are saying, make as much money while you can (skills and tax wise) and get the boring gig in 10 years time when you must.