Hi all,
For the past 7 years since graduating university (computing science) I have been working for a tiny software company just outside London. My main role is as a java & c# developer with a fair amount of DB admin stuff thrown in (mostly postgresql and MSSQL). I've also done some project-management and system admin stuff (*nix) as well.
Sadly I don't see this company expanding anywhere in the next few years and have decided the time is now right to get out. As I'm (relatively) young, single and financially secure I'm keen to try contracting to see how I find it. I've had a read through a number of articles on this website but still have a couple of questions:
1) I do not currently have a ltd. company set up, is this something I would need to do before applying for work or can it wait until I've secured an offer?
2) When I look at job listing such as those on contractuk.com's job-search I assume these are all going through an agency? If I was to apply for one of these do I then what is the general procedure after that, would I deal with an agent for the most part as well as having an interview with the company?
3) I've seen sites such as contractoralliance.co.uk which have offers such for 3rd party companies who will look over contracts, I assume in an effort to avoid IR35. Are these offers worthwhile?
4) Is it worth me simply selecting an contracting agency and letting them deal with a lot of the searching/advice and if so, any recommendations for such a firm for someone in my position?
5) Any other advice?
If it's any help I can post a copy of my cv (with personal information redacted).
Thanks in advance
For the past 7 years since graduating university (computing science) I have been working for a tiny software company just outside London. My main role is as a java & c# developer with a fair amount of DB admin stuff thrown in (mostly postgresql and MSSQL). I've also done some project-management and system admin stuff (*nix) as well.
Sadly I don't see this company expanding anywhere in the next few years and have decided the time is now right to get out. As I'm (relatively) young, single and financially secure I'm keen to try contracting to see how I find it. I've had a read through a number of articles on this website but still have a couple of questions:
1) I do not currently have a ltd. company set up, is this something I would need to do before applying for work or can it wait until I've secured an offer?
2) When I look at job listing such as those on contractuk.com's job-search I assume these are all going through an agency? If I was to apply for one of these do I then what is the general procedure after that, would I deal with an agent for the most part as well as having an interview with the company?
3) I've seen sites such as contractoralliance.co.uk which have offers such for 3rd party companies who will look over contracts, I assume in an effort to avoid IR35. Are these offers worthwhile?
4) Is it worth me simply selecting an contracting agency and letting them deal with a lot of the searching/advice and if so, any recommendations for such a firm for someone in my position?
5) Any other advice?
If it's any help I can post a copy of my cv (with personal information redacted).
Thanks in advance
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