Least bad times to look for contracts?

[t0mmyt]

I'm preparing to hand my notice to leave a permanent role, but I have a 3 month notice period on my contract.

If I handed it today that would take me up to Dec 25th (clearly bad timing!), if I hand it in this time next week then it's New Years Eve/Day (probably not great either).

So ... in peoples opinions ... when the least bad times to be looking for new contracts? Does the start/end of the financial year have any impact? Any other events to watch out for (summer etc)?

[SueEllen]

The issue is that you have is you have no experience as a contractor.

[d000hg]

What's your field? Do you like having a good old hack around some code?

[MaryPoppins]

Welcome

Assuming you're not on meds and crutches and pretending to live on a farm..my first question would be: are you hoping any potential clients will wait 3 months for you, or are you planning on starting to look at the market nearer to your end date?

[OwlHoot]

I'm preparing to hand my notice to leave a permanent role, but I have a 3 month notice period on my contract.

If I handed it today that would take me up to Dec 25th (clearly bad timing!), if I hand it in this time next week then it's New Years Eve/Day (probably not great either).

So ... in peoples opinions ... when the least bad times to be looking for new contracts? Does the start/end of the financial year have any impact? Any other events to watch out for (summer etc)?

I'd say the best time to look is generally march/april, because that's when next year's budgets are known and new projects due to start.

But there are no hard and fast rules - You could pick up a contract any time, depending on your speciality.

[northernladuk]

It really depends on your skill set i.e. niche or generic and your experience. If you don't have much experience and looking for anything you might be able to do you are on a wish and a prayer whatever time of year. If you are highly experienced in a specialist area then any time is as good as any. Projects don't stop at certain times of year or start times delayed to fit so times of year don't make a massive amount of difference the skilled IMO

[bless 'em all]

I'm preparing to hand my notice to leave a permanent role, but I have a 3 month notice period on my contract.

If I handed it today that would take me up to Dec 25th (clearly bad timing!), if I hand it in this time next week then it's New Years Eve/Day (probably not great either).

So ... in peoples opinions ... when the least bad times to be looking for new contracts? Does the start/end of the financial year have any impact? Any other events to watch out for (summer etc)?

What everyone else said plus...

Are you looking for a contract anywhere in the UK or one that's an easy commute from home?

Do you have enough money saved to keep you going for 3 or 4 months while you try for a contract, plus enough to keep you going with expenses etc for the first month?

Have you done any research into contracts in your skill-set? What an employer might value, soft skills etc, may not meet the requirements for a contract role.

Do you like Gladiators and can you bled a radiator?

No one on here is trying to put you off. But we've all been there at some point and know the ropes (mostly).

January and February is probably the worst time for landing a gig IMHO.