What are the biggest benefits of becoming an IT contractor?

If you've spent most of your career being employed by an organisation, it's a big step to switch to working as an IT contractor. Maybe you've always aspired to the contractor lifestyle, or perhaps an opportunity has been presented to you that's made you think about the option for the first time.

People who enjoy the security of being employed might even look at you as if you're mad to consider giving that up. So we thought we'd summarise what contractors we work with tell us they like best about their way of working. It's probably interesting to count how many people you know who've tried contracting and have never looked back. Here's why:

More money

There's no denying that contractors tend to earn more than they did as a permanent employee. That's because they can attract higher day rates for skills that are in high demand, and also because you can set yourself up to work pretty tax efficiently through a limited company (also called a Personal Service Company). Of course, what you're giving up in return is job security. You should assess whether you could afford to be out of work for any time.

More control

When you're engaged as a contractor, you tend to be clearer on what work you'll be doing and don't get pulled into side projects or management meetings. You know what you're there to deliver and are empowered to deliver it.

More choice

If you have in-demand skills, you'll have a greater choice over who you work for and where you work than if you are only looking at permanent opportunities. You'll have the chance to work on a wider variety of projects, in varying sectors and even countries, if you'd like to work overseas.

More skills

Because you move around more as a contractor, you accelerate the rate at which you learn new skills and technologies, with more exposure to more types of project.

Less office politics

We hear this one a lot. As a contractor, you are a lot less likely to be embroiled in office politics because your status is different and your long term career ambitions don't necessarily rely on the organisation you're working for at that time. It's not to say it never happens of course - IT and change projects can be high stakes, high pressure environments - but you're much more likely to be kept away from grievances or power struggles.

Work on your terms

Many IT contractors choose to spend a chunk of their year travelling, working on a personal project or spending time with family or friends, rather than being limited to a set number of days' holiday each year. Naturally, this only applies if you can afford it but the flexibility is there if you want it.

A step to running your own business

We know many contractors who have taken the experience they've gained to set up their own businesses, building a product or service they can see a demand for. The flexibility of contracting allows you to take those first steps without stepping off a financial cliff edge, and the contacts you've made along the way may include your first customers.

Pride and confidence

As a rule, contractors are very self sufficient and talented. There's no room to hide or coast, so you quickly build a sense of the value you've added and can take pride in your achievements. A lot of your work will come through personal connections and recommendations, which is a great confidence boost. These rewards can be lacking in long term, permanent careers.

If you've been persuaded that the contracting life is for you, take a look at our current contract vacancies or send us your CV.