Re: FN-FORUM: contracting and how to take the leap..!

date posted 14th May 2008 09:49

From: "Dan B" [EMAIL REMOVED]
: Hi guys,
:
: I am a software developer and have worked at the same company for
: about a year now but I am the kind of person that thrives on change
: and new projects, especially developing a system from the ground up.
: My first employment post-university was entirely by accident at P&G
: where I developed an n-tier system in .NET used by a few hundred folk
: (long story but it started out with me temping in admin...!) but since
: then I have been working on legacy systems and code maintenance in my
: new role and don't feel like I am learning any new skills.
:
: If you want to cut out the blurb my question is 'when is the best time
: to jump into contracting' I'm relatively young nipper at 24 but have
: had a good 4 years of (commercial) experience on top of a lifetime of
: bedroom coding on both my own and some open source projects and have
: finished my degree with a fairly solid 2:1. I feel that moving into
: contracting would allow me to diversify as-well as focus on what I
: love to do (develop) rather than get bogged down in business meetings,
: customer workshops etc...
:
: Would you have considered yourselves too young at the age of 24 to
: jump into something like this?
: I really want to go for it, but quitting my job is a big step, and I
: have an unfortunately long period of 8 weeks notice :o)
:
: Any advice from you 'seasoned professional types' greatly appreciated,
: even if it is "don't do it, kid" :-)

My take...

I think the biggest mistake made when setting out is not to have a vision:
an ambition of what you REALLY want in life. In detail, from lifestyle to
the type of home you want and where you want it. Set out a plan and the cash
flow forecast to achieve it. That will put your intentions into context with
required earnings and therefore the type of acceptable work and filling your
diary.

You will need a portfolio site of some type. WordPress provides a quick
solution but there are many ways.

The work sources many will describe here are important but you must
concentrate on building regular sources for that is where your stability
comes from. Don't just wish - plan them and start building within your
overall plan. Go slowly but securely. Summer can be a bad time to start:
it's holiday season. Try and reduce work time at your existing employment or
perhaps arrange a commercial contract with them if possible.

Think carefully about limited company versus sole trader in the beginning.
Unless your work sources require it the limited company route can be more
hassle than it's true worth. Team with other developers if you can.

24 is not too young in this game - it's a youngun's arena. If the ability's
there you will often win against older competition with similar abilities.

Learn the principles of marketing and selling yourself. Build a contact list
and segment it into areas you can easily attack. Learn how to negotiate,
handle meetings and prepare for those meetings.

Rather concise, but a start.

Good luck, whatever you decide!

Mike A.