Self employed IT contractors / programmers in here pls.

[gullshark]

At the moment I have a full time job as a mobile app developer but have been toying with the idea of becoming self employed. Is there anyone here that has made the jump?

 

[Tricky Dicky]

I contracted as a developer for a few months a couple of years ago - the money was good, but didn't really like doing it.

 

[daveinprague]

Ive done a lot of contracting over the years...got tired of being laid off as a contracter so, took a perm job in Holland with KPN-Qwest and they went bankrupt after a couple of years......doesnt really matter which route you take, it has risks.... definitely financially a lot better contracting..

 

[gullshark]

My real issue is I need to be able to pay the mortgage, but I've got some savings just in case I need them.

I enjoy what I do where I do atm, but it seems that where I am might not have need for me in 6 months time. I have spoken to them and they are willing to be my first contract so thinking it might be time to take the plunge.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

My real issue is I need to be able to pay the mortgage, but I've got some savings just in case I need them.

I enjoy what I do where I do atm, but it seems that where I am might not have need for me in 6 months time. I have spoken to them and they are willing to be my first contract so thinking it might be time to take the plunge.

Go on to IT Jobs, Engineering Jobs, Healthcare Jobs… Find your next job with JobServe
and see how many contracts there are for your specialised area of work. That should give you a good feel for the market. I've been contracting for yonks and couldn't envisage going back to permanent work now. Good luck!

 

[Tricky Dicky]

My real issue is I need to be able to pay the mortgage, but I've got some savings just in case I need them.

I enjoy what I do where I do atm, but it seems that where I am might not have need for me in 6 months time. I have spoken to them and they are willing to be my first contract so thinking it might be time to take the plunge.

I guess it's all personal preference. I like to feel settled - even if you can't guarantee a job these days. I found when I was contracting that I didn't feel like I could spend any money, because even though I had a year contract, I didn't know how long it would last in reality - actually it only lasted for 4 months. I was offered the same contract job, to work in Copenhagen on £1k a day, but I didn't fancy working there.

Also, I didn't like the though of interviewing more frequently - I sort of got used to them, but wouldn't do them out of choice (although a good skill to keep up to date).

Back in permanent work now, and much happier - even if the money is less.

 

[Shropshire Seagull]

Been doing it for 5-6 years now.
I like the flexibility - I tend to work Aug to May and take the summer off to coach cricket.
Set up as Ltd company, VAT registered but on the flat rate scheme [v easy to admin]
I'm in project management and did have an enforced break in 2008 with the recession but mostly I get renewed and stop working when I choose.
You will need to be happy with the risk, but my view is that there is now no such thing as a permanent job, not least in IT.
If you have the right qualifications and experience, you should be fine.

 

[Aadam]

My real issue is I need to be able to pay the mortgage, but I've got some savings just in case I need them.

I enjoy what I do where I do atm, but it seems that where I am might not have need for me in 6 months time. I have spoken to them and they are willing to be my first contract so thinking it might be time to take the plunge.

Just be careful with tax. You might be inside IR35 if you leave your company as perm and go back as contractor.

 

[halbpro]

Did it for a bit, it's alright if you can get on good terms with a company or get a really good contract. If you've got well placed contacts it's obviously helpful, got offered a few very well paid contracts but didn't have the knowledge in ASP.NET to take them. Eventually went back on full time as I didn't like the hassle of tax etc... but if you can deal with that and the potential instability it's nice to have the flexibility.

 

[cliveh27]

Been doing it for 5-6 years now.
I like the flexibility - I tend to work Aug to May and take the summer off to coach cricket.
Set up as Ltd company, VAT registered but on the flat rate scheme [v easy to admin]
I'm in project management and did have an enforced break in 2008 with the recession but mostly I get renewed and stop working when I choose.
You will need to be happy with the risk, but my view is that there is now no such thing as a permanent job, not least in IT.
If you have the right qualifications and experience, you should be fine.

I endorse this, having been working as a contract project manager for over 10 years. At the outset I was advised to budget for working 9 months per year, and to build up reserves to smooth over the periods when I was out of work. Also, if you set yourself up as a limited company, make sure you squirrel away some money each month for your corporation tax. Don't forget that you are also responsible for your own training, and keeping your professional qualifications up to date - companies are looking at these more and more when selecting candidates.

 

[JCL666]

Been contracting for 10 years.

Would never go back to being an permanent employee.

As for feeling settled etc, Almost all of my contracts have been for at least a year.