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Is there a way into contracting for me?

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    Is there a way into contracting for me?

    Hi Guys,

    I’m hoping for a little advice if anybody could be kind enough to help.

    I’ve been working in Sales for the last 16 years, basically my entire working life, and I need a change.

    I’m looking to start learning some new skills part time and in my spare time over the next few years to gradually make the transition into contracting.

    The question is what should I learn and what are the most valuable and frequently sought after skills for a contractor these days in the UK?

    I’ve always assumed that would mean learning some kind of programming or development language which I’m more than happy to do. Any suggestions?

    Also would be great if there is anybody else out there who has successfully managed to make that kind of transition from scratch and how they did it?

    I’m sensible and realistic I know this is not an overnight fix but any help or advice would be great.

    Thanks very much.

    #2
    It's unlikely that you'll move directly from your current line of work into a contract software development role.

    As a contractor, there's an implied expectation from both clients and recruiters that you know your trade inside out and can hit the ground running. At the very least, you'll need to spend 2-3 years working your way up the perm ladder before being able to meet this expectation.

    Comment


      #3
      Contracting doesn't quite work like that unfortunately.

      In just about all cases contractors are brought in with specific skillsets and experience to undertake contract roles, which often take a number of years to build up. Even those contractors with little experience are then in competition with contractors that have lots of experience for contract roles...

      Not saying it cannot be done but the transition into contracting often takes places after a number years experience rather than just a bit of training first.

      First timers guide on RHS menu will give you more information/tips etc.
      ______________________
      Don't get mad...get even...

      Comment


        #4
        No
        Vote Corbyn ! Save this country !

        Comment


          #5
          Can you do it? Maybe.

          Will it be difficult? Probably.

          The usual route would be to work permie jobs first for a number of years building experience before contracting (and also a war chest to cover lean times).

          You'll be up against people with way more experience than you, and IR35 is a looming issue in the private sector.

          If I'm honest with myself, I couldn't have switched careers 16 years in, but many have I'm sure.

          Comment


            #6
            No.

            You are asking the wrong question. You need a way in to a skill. When you have that skill THEN you can think about contracting. Contracting is a method of you selling that skill rather than being employed to deliver it.

            You cannot get in to contracting if you don't have a skill to sell. Your question should be 'Is there a way in to IT for me?' and then come ask us a question about contracting in about 5+ years time.
            'CUK forum personality of 2011 - Winner - Yes really!!!!

            Comment


              #7
              You need a change but contracting might not be the change you want/need.

              You may get lucky and get a great gig on a great rate for your first one, but it's rare.

              Change your job and get some new hobbies.

              qh
              He had a negative bluety on a quackhandle and was quadraspazzed on a lifeglug.

              I look forward to your all knowing and likely sarcastic and unhelpful reply.

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by engsnayl View Post
                I’m sensible and realistic I know this is not an overnight fix but any help or advice would be great.
                Leverage your 16 years of sales experience, and apply for a full-time position with Salesforce (the leading CRM software company). Hang in there for a few years, and learn as much as you can about the product, and the implementation process. Get involved in actual client implementation projects (probably as a product specialist or business analyst, or wherever else your strengths lie). Build yourself a good reputation and a marketable skillset.

                This will open the door to the far more lucrative Salesforce contract market.

                Comment


                  #9
                  NLUK and others are absolutely right and GREENLAKE has given you a very helpful start point for a way into it. given what you've said about your experience so far. You really are asking the wrong question. 'Contracting' is not a career, it's a way of selling skills. Get the skills and the world is your oyster (well, with appropriate effort put into networking and marketing your skills).

                  You say you're sensible and realistic which is good, but the fact you're asking this question makes me worry you're hanging out for some kind of 'contractor nirvana' which is unlikely to be as you believe it is. Read these fora and think hard about the difference between being a permie and a contractor - the lack of sick pay, holiday pay, no employment rights (because you're not an employee, even if you're operating inside IR35) - for that matter understand IR35. Consider the 'real' overheads and think properly about whether it is the choice for you. And whilst you're doing this, if you're following GREENLAKE's suggestion (or something like it) then at least you're getting other strings to your bow which will always stand you in good stead.

                  Sales skills are always going to be help you are a contractor but they are a rather minor part of it. You need a skillset to sell, and sales can't be all you have (no matter how good you are at it).

                  Comment


                    #10
                    How about

                    something that requires no Skills (or ones you can pick up in a few days)

                    Test Manager
                    Java programmer
                    any others?

                    Comment

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