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by cpncrunch 4287 days ago
I was in your position back in 1997 and I went into contracting in the UK. It worked out great for me, and I would definitely recommend it. I found it very easy to get work through jobserve.com. In fact once I'd done a few contracts, I built up networks of other contractors and recruitment agencies who gave me tips about upcoming contracts.

You just need to set up a ltd company and manage your own payroll/accounts/pension and then find an accountant to do your end of year accounts. Or you can pay an accountant to do it all for you (but it will cost more). I found it difficult getting a reliable accountant in the UK - every single one of them were late preparing my accounts.

As long as you don't mind moving to a new company every 6-12 months and working on potentially boring projects, it is a great experience. The money is great in the UK, and the work is generally relatively easy. I eventually got fed up with mind-numbingly boring projects and sitting with nothing to do most of the time (I think I work too fast), and eventually ditched it and worked full-time on my own startups.

I would recommend waiting until you get your first contract before quitting your job (that's what I did). Some want you to start immediately, while others will let you wait a month to give your notice.
1 comments
pdhanda 4287 days ago
What would you say a realistic rate is for a contractor?

Also, would you suggest charging per hour or day?

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cpncrunch 4287 days ago
These kind of long-term contracts pay the 'market rate'. Back around 2000 the market rate was about 30-40GBP/hr or about 300GBP/day, or higher in the city. Although I haven't done any contracting in the UK for quite a while, I do occasionally look at the contracts out there and the rates seem to be about the same these days. Just go to jobserve.com and you'll see.

Right now I live in Canada and charge US$100/hr for short term contracts (up to a few days), although normally I quote fixed-price and it works out roughly $100/hr or a bit higher. This is mostly for customizing my own product to a customer's requirements.

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