Thanks...interesting stuff. Sounds like you can make very good money if you're single. If you're married, though, wow.
________________________________ From: Action Request System discussion list(ARSList) [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bob Sent: Friday, June 01, 2007 12:32 PM To: arslist@ARSLIST.ORG Subject: Re: Working Contracts I only accept contracts on a time and material basis as I find a fee per task type of arrangement causes too much effort in negotiations and proof of delivery. For example, $100K for a version 7.x installation may mean any number of hours depending on the level of configuration, difficulty in arranging key meetings, achieving consensus etc. The only type of arrangement I would accept would be something along the lines of $XX.XX per hour for Y hours. Customers like it when you are willing to put in extra effort, instead of arguing about project scope, so time/material always works in your favor. Since I live in DC, I find enough contractual work close to home. Many short durations, 3 to 6 months turn into 18-24 months, or semi-permanent positions. I have been on my current project since Jan 2006. A good strategy is to take on a short term gig that pays well due to the length of the contract, do a good job, and try to get renewed. Long term contracts pay less, but frequently have no better stability or longevity as the short term ones. Contractually, everything is always at will, and can be terminated at any time. If you have to travel, get an apartment, even if the contract is for only 3 months. Better to eat a couple of months of a 6 month lease than to pay an expensive month to month or hotel room for 18 months as contracts are frequently extended. I have been doing this for a long time, and I have always dreamt of "down" time between contracts. It never seems to happen. And I have done 0 travel. The upside is mostly the increase in yearly pay. Taxes are not an issue for me as deductions and my SEP more than offset my additional tax burden. Benefits are fairly easy to deal with if you are single (low cost) or if your spouse works (use theirs). I could see an issue if you are the sole provider of a big family. You have to be disciplined with money and work. For example, I won't be paid for the first week of May until mid-July. There is also a tendency to work more when the pay rate is lower (to keep up with revenue) and to slack a bit when the pay is great (because you need to work less to make the same money) but if you do the opposite you will do better. Beware of vendors who don't pay on time, or gouge you on the bill rate. Form an LLC even if you don't have to, in case the customer wants to be directly billed. Figure out how much to pay yourself each month and keep the rest in an interest bearing account to smooth the collection of invoices. ________________________________ From: Action Request System discussion list(ARSList) [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kaiser Norm E CIV USAF 96 CS/SCCE Sent: Friday, June 01, 2007 1:05 PM To: arslist@ARSLIST.ORG Subject: OT: Working Contracts First up, I'd like to thank everyone who responded to my telecommuting thread I posted earlier this week. Very informative. Now I'm curious about contract workers. I see tons and tons and tons of job postings that are for very short contract durations-3 to 6 months. Forgive my ignorance here, as I've been a permanent full time employee for the past eight years, but how does that work? Do you accept a contract for that time and fly to the location? Do you do the work and then look for something else? If yes, aren't you just living life out of a suitcase? __20060125_______________________This posting was submitted with HTML in it___ __20060125_______________________This posting was submitted with HTML in it___ _______________________________________________________________________________ UNSUBSCRIBE or access ARSlist Archives at www.arslist.org ARSlist:"Where the Answers Are"
