Questions To Ask Before You Start Contracting In IT

If you are thinking about IT contracting for the first time, then please read this article which is part of our series on the beginners guide to IT Contracting. Firstly, it is important to consider that being an IT Contractor is very different from being employed, most notably because you do not have the stability of permanent employment. However, there are also many advantages, in particular the variety of work / projects and of course the increased financial rewards.

Although this article is a great starting point for anyone considering IT Contracting for the first time, it is especially relevant if you live and work in the UK. Furthermore, the questions below apply equally to IT professionals who are seeking their first job after completing their training / qualifications / degree, or those who are considering switching from permanent to contract after being within the IT industry for a few years.

Question 1. Do you like the idea of being you own boss? For some people the idea of running your own business (yes, that is the core what being a professional contractor is all about) can be extremely enjoyable and satisfying, but for others it can be an incredibly daunting thought. Running your own business means that you are responsible for all aspects of the legal and financial operations of your company, which is very different from being an employee on PAYE. In addition, being the boss also means you must be self-disciplined with your time-management and work ethos, as you no longer answer to anyone.

Question 2. Are you primarily driven by financial rewards? If earning money is one of the key drivers that brings you to work each day, over recognition or praise or promotion (as examples) then this is a further signal that contracting could be for you. It is worth considering that contractors can regularly earn up to 40% more than permanent staff. But, remember that you are have to deal with your personal and company tax, as well as working with Accountants on a regular basis, so you have to be financially aware.

Question 3. Does the thought of working on new projects get you interested and excited? Working on new projects is something that contractors tend to gravitate towards. They like how they have the ability to constantly go into new companies and be working on something new the company is looking to implement.

Question 4. Do you enjoy working with Cutting Edge technologies? Contractors have been at the leading edge of many new technology projects we have been involved with over the last 25 years, as they utilise time between contracts to enhance their skills. Contractors are usually at the forefront of all new projects, so if this appeals to you then this is another sign that contracting is probably the route for you to go.

Question 5. Do you prefer to stay out of office politics? This is our favourite one to finish on, as we know it is a key reason why quite a high number of people prefer contracting. It gives you the opportunity to take on a senior role (for the period of the project) but without all the baggage and internal issues that goes with being a senior permanent employee. If you like just getting on with your job, then definitely consider this point.

To finish ” These initial questions are a good starting point to see if contracting is right for you, but before you go giving up your job do some more research. There is so much more that you need to understand. People do tend to think that the change is only minor, but our experience has shown that it is far from that. It you go to the bottom of this article you will see a link, which will take you to a more detailed list of contractor resources ” its well worth having a look at. Thank you for taking the time to read our article and if you have questions you are more than welcome to contact us.

Mr. P. Fanthom frequently writes articles for IT Contractors and is MD of Jenrick CPI, which offers one of the best ranges of IT contracts in the UK, as well as numerous permanent jobs in IT. Click on the following links to read our Beginners guide to IT Contracting. Furthermore, if you are planning on starting a new IT contract, then click on IT jobs for Contractors.