The Old Joel on Software Forum: Part 3 (of 5)

after cv...contract

After some excellent discussion about cvs and cover letters in the past, and after reading Philo's thread regarding working on weekend - I want to study from the contractors regarding the contract. Where can I learn about personal contracting format and terms ? Any tips from the guru here?

contractor wannabe
Monday, November 10, 2003

Try this writeup titled "How to be an IC":

http://www.it-proletariat.com/content/howto-ic/

Bored Bystander
Monday, November 10, 2003

Dude, I don't wanna be an integrated circuit.

Chillin' in da crib
Tuesday, November 11, 2003

Did the site get slashdotted, or JOS'ed??

I was able to see about 5 slides before the site went down!

Tapiwa
Tuesday, November 11, 2003

Do you mean truly independent or W2 contracting thru an agency--which is what I do.

I'd start-off by going thru an agency.

steevn
Tuesday, November 11, 2003

Are you sure you want to go contracting at the moment ?

Although I believe that the market is on the upswing, I feel that you are better off in a permanent job (if you have one that is) for a while longer.

I am also reconsidering my direction in IT with all the outsourcing going off at the moment. If you are a coder then I would seriously consider getting some more skills that insulate you from outsourcing fever.

I have ten years as a contractor and I'm now in a low paying permanent job, but it can't be outsourced and I'm enjoying myself more than I've done for a long time. I even look forward to going to work every morning !

Sorry for the rant, I just needed to get it off my chest.

whattimeisiteccles
Tuesday, November 11, 2003

whattimeisiteccles makes a good point. Hang on for now.

Truth be told, I didn't become a contractor by choice, but now I kinda like it.

steevn
Tuesday, November 11, 2003

"but it can't be outsourced"

Care to share with us what you think can't be outsourced?

m
Tuesday, November 11, 2003

Easy.

My job requires visits to peoples houses as well as being available on the phone and doing more conventional technical stuff. Our company prides itself on being a local business (with local accents) and theres only four of us anyway. I am in such a position that if we were to expand hugely then I would probably end up being in management.

Not totally insulated, but pretty close.

Coming back to the pure software side (where I started), I would suggest that you look to add value to your skills, not just new skills but how you use them. Moving from say a developer/code monkey to being a problem solver, someone who can bring more to the job than your basic skills... This probably deserves a new thread.

whattimeisiteccles
Wednesday, November 12, 2003