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Old 05-07-11, 02:49 PM
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Arrow Freelancer, should I become one?

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Contracting-The Flexible way to change your career
When it comes to employment, we are being saturated with information that we simply do not want to hear. From the seemingly never-ending recession to excessive job cuts, it’s high time for a fresh perspective on employment. It’s worth noting that contract employment isn’t totally new, but with its growing appeal from potential employees and varied sectors, contract and freelance work alike could not only speed up your job search but also fast track you to your desired career change.

You would probably be forgiven if the word ‘contractor’ conjures up images of construction work and manual labour related regeneration; however, contract and freelance work could most probably be applicable to every trade and skill that is in demand right now. Whilst skilled trade contract work is still going from strength to strength according to recent statistics, contract positions within the private sector such as transport and IT are steadily increasing.

It is vital to mention that being a contractor does not automatically mean that your new job will be short lived. Even if a contract is limited by its time period, any opportunity to add to your CV was worth doing. This is not to say that contractors are doomed to a life of job hopping, in fact in many cases, a contract job is just a permanent as a ‘regular’ one with the added exception of a contract agency. At a glance this could appear to be an un- wanted added extra, but with a third party supplying all the information that you need, from who’s hiring to application tips, the middle man has never been so useful.

Contract and freelance jobs offer flexibility to potential proprietors and recruiters in every sense of the word. Whether you refuse to settle in one career path or need to fill the gaps in your fast paced company, contract jobs and freelancing is a sure fire way to free yourself from the tedious traditional means of employment.

As mentioned, with the recession in everyone’s shadow, it is hard to feel positive about employment, but with the first quarter of 2011 seeing a growth in the British economy of 0.5%, it is strongly evident that contract work is growing with it. With a hasty approach to spending, employers are looking to contractors before looking to permanent employees when hiring, meaning that the demand won’t be ceasing anytime soon.

Freelance and contract work could also be a stepping stone into your next permanent job role. In accordance with the Department for Work and Pensions over a third of all individuals who took up contract employment in February 2011 were offered permanent positions in the same role.

So with the steady much needed improvement in British economy, contract agencies, contractors and recruiters are equally expanding with it. Amongst the negativity in the work place it is refreshing to know that there is a new flexible approach to employment that instead of slowing down is expanding to accommodate everyone’s skills and availability.
After read this article, I'm fancy should I become one? Anyone can give me some advice?

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Old 06-07-11, 06:08 PM
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Before you do anything else, do some research.

Talk to contacts who're already working as contractors - what do they like and dislike about it, over the last 2 years have they improved their annual income or not, how do they see the situation going forward.

Talk to some employers / employers associations who're located somewhere you wouldn't want to work - over the next year or so will they be increasing or reducing the number of contractors they "employ"?

Then of course you need to look at what Inland Revenue rules say (eg they don't much like freelances who always work for the same "client" and to think about whether self-employment would suit you.

It's be interesting for us if you could share the results of your research!

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Old 11-07-11, 02:45 PM
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I have spoken to some contractor contacts and had mixed feedback, a few have directed me to look at contract opportunities advertised online. Other than the obvious eg. Jobsite and Monster do you have any that are more directed at contractors as these are not focused just on this?

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Old 12-07-11, 02:10 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RussFarrell View Post
After read this article, I'm fancy should I become one? Anyone can give me some advice?
Now I'm confused Russ?

You are asking whether anyone can give you advice on being a contractor, yet your welcome thread says:

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Originally Posted by RussFarrell View Post
Hi! I work for.... we are a contract only job board...
If anyone would like any information regarding contracting, vacancies etc. please ask away!
Shame, you had me fooled, thought you were here to be part of the community, not waste other members time who are genuinely trying to help you out.

Any more self promo and its the delete button.
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Old 12-07-11, 02:59 PM
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Thanks for keeping your eyes open, Steve, I hadn't spotted the inconsistency

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Old 12-07-11, 03:14 PM
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Very sorry everyone, I was trying out my SEO skill. As I said I'm teaching myself so it is just so silly out this. Please spare me this time!

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Old 31-08-11, 11:53 AM
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It is very simple. If you have the love and craze for the particular thing and you know you will be able to handle the problems and huddles, then go for it.
Just remember one thing. Do a lot of research, before you start. It is very important to know what you getting into.

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Old 01-09-11, 09:08 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Business Minds View Post
It is very simple. If you have the love and craze for the particular thing and you know you will be able to handle the problems and huddles, then go for it.
Just remember one thing. Do a lot of research, before you start. It is very important to know what you getting into.
yes, I agree! I knew someone who is a freelance for almost 5years and I think It was a good job, but I know, he have to read more because in his work, It should be a continues learning process.

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