Bit the bullet, applied for a nearby permie role.

[BolshieBastard]

What multiplier of typical daily rate are you looking for for annual salary / 'package'?

Not sure how you work that figure out.

As I live in the north west, its not a high wage area so, 50k is the top end. Yes, you could probably earn another 10 - 15k if you travelled to Manchester or Leeds but that negates the option to consider permie because I'd have to travel to these places for contract and means a longer commute.

If the final package comes in around 45k, I think with my warchest and public service pension kicking in in 4 years, I could live with that.

[BlasterBates]

Sounds gr8, I´m close behind, also a "permie round the corner role". In the end travelling costs really kills the financial advantage of contracting, and usuallly in that 45 K are "pension benefits". Also gives you a chance, because you have spare time to build up a plan B, to earn a bit of cash on the side from time to time, doing bits and bobs.

[d000hg]

I've looked at a plan b and c which I'd really like to do but, there's just no money in them never mind enough to make them worthwhile. OK, that may mean they are the wrong plan b and c but finding something that works and would bring in a couple of grand a month is a real challenge.

I think it's supposed to be challenging. This whole "every contractor should be planning a plan B" mentality is silly to me, it's another step but just as most people don't want to go contracting, most contractors don't want to run a whole business.

As I said, Im looking to stop working in 4 to 5 years max so, a decent paying permie role would do that.

Sounds reasonable and not a bad way to round off a career if you can get it. You can of course always keep an eye out for juicy contracts...

What is your specialty BB?

[Scoobos]

The world is definitely changing partly I think because IT is maturing.

Funny you say that, I think the IT world is changing for the opposite reason.

High performance machines have encouraged very lazy coding and a lack of quality documentation or pride tbh.

[BolshieBastard]

I think it's supposed to be challenging. This whole "every contractor should be planning a plan B" mentality is silly to me, it's another step but just as most people don't want to go contracting, most contractors don't want to run a whole business.

Sounds reasonable and not a bad way to round off a career if you can get it. You can of course always keep an eye out for juicy contracts...

What is your specialty BB?

I dont mind a challenge, I lost 70+k on one plan a which quickly turned to plan z so I know all about challenges.

But there's got to be a prospect of generating a living wage. It doesnt have to be the equivalent of a contractor income because I wouldnt be travelling 100+miles a day to \ from work as I do now. Im also the only income generator as the missus doesnt work now (through agreed choice).

Im in testing but the north west \ north is dead on its feet right now. There are roles in London but I'd end up having a 1 day weekend if I went down there so, prefer not to.

I can live quite comfortably on 26 week contracting out of 52 but as I said, agents especially think you have a bad reputation rather than take account of work \ life balance.

[d000hg]

Maybe you can find another contractor Ltd to hire you the other 26 weeks on a support contract which happens to involve no work.

[BolshieBastard]

Maybe you can find another contractor Ltd to hire you the other 26 weeks on a support contract which happens to involve no work.

You offering?

[Old Greg]

You offering?

I'll do it.