Do you take time off between contracts?

[eek]

Actually. No I didn't. I've picked up an all encompassing project where I'm having to double up as the SME/BA on it at the moment, because I frankly can't find anyone with the right knowledge.

I've got four open job reqs now & the level of candidates is crap.

Is that because you can't pay enough or because the right people just don't exist? I'm guessing its a combination of the two but don't want to second guess you.

[MarillionFan]

Is that because you can't pay enough or because the right people just don't exist? I'm guessing its a combination of the two but don't want to second guess you.

$90000-$100000 which I think is enough for a perm BA Role +20% bonus + perks. They just don't seem to have the business skills I need.

I'm fairly convinced I could easily find a contractor in the UK with the right skills.

[BillHicksRIP]

Current gig is over 2 years long and I've only had the Xmas/NY breaks during that time. I've wanted to take 3 months off to concentrate completely on a non-IT hobby for years, but I'm seriously considering making that 6 months depending on when this gig ends. That may not be till 2014, but it's keeping me going!

[ratewhore]

I have taken breaks of a few months before and would do again if I was on a single long term contract.

Now I have a few clients I plan my own workload so I don't have a big chunk of holiday, but my utilisation is around 3 weeks a month average and that suits me fine.

Taken me a long time to get off my arse and get into this position though...

[NotAllThere]

I've been at the same place, on various contracts for seven years now. I take breaks whenever I want.

[cojak]

If a contract pops up that will enable me to walk into it Monday morning I'll take it.

Otherwise I'll take a couple of weeks break.

[Lockhouse]

Been contracting without a break (different clients) for the past 9 years. Longest period I've taken off in that time was a fortnight. When I get finished here (contract runs to July ATM), I'm taking a couple of months off at least.

[eek]

$90000-$100000 which I think is enough for a perm BA Role +20% bonus + perks. They just don't seem to have the business skills I need.

I'm fairly convinced I could easily find a contractor in the UK with the right skills.

Are we talking SF here? Considering what my mate paid for her apartment there I think I know the problem and it may be location not the money.

[Kelstar]

Longest by choice was 3 weeks in between renewals. Other than that i just start looking when I finish up and have been in work in less than a month.

Doesn't really feel like time off when doing the contract search.

When this gig finishes up in the summer I have planned to take 3 months off before even looking. Have some personal stuff I'd like to do. BUT, I guess that may go out the window if I get a call for a good role and good rate.... we'll see!

[Gaz_M]

Took last July & August off after an eleven month gig and left me wanting more time off.
Finish latest gig at end of March (turned down extension) and plan to take at least April off. Surely that's the beauty of contracting?