anpr

Yeah you have a valid point regarding the umbrella company. It does offer some benefits (eg. you are a PAYE and if taking loans for car/house you can say you are employed rather than self-employed which could hinder your bargaining abilities). I do not think they help that much when it comes to finding contracts. My understanding is that they handle the paperwork and finances, thats about it.

Just put your CV out there and apply to 2-3 jobs. See the feedback you get and take it from there. I don't think previous experience as a contractor is important - that being said, having professional experience in the field is definitely very important.

Fair point

Not really. Initially I just plan to go through normal job adverts / recruiters (as much as I'd hate it) / LinkedIn / etc.

Hopefully as time goes on, and I get to build a proven track record, I might start looking into doing more word-of-mouth jobs than anything else.

I dont know about elsewhere in the world, but if you too are in the UK, I still don't know whether I will be going through an umbrella company or setting my own LTD and handling the paperwork myself (through accountants).

Hope this helps.

That's so encouraging thanks man!

If I could abuse your kindness, I hope you dont mind - could I ask what you average contract length are? What is the average period it takes you between finishing a contract and finding a new role?

Thanks, that makes perfect sense. I guess my worries came from the fact that in my current company I don't know of any of the 100s permanent devs that came from a contracting background, so I sort of raised flags for me. That could possibly be because contractors dont often go back to permanent roles, rather than them being undesirable for a permanent position.

Really good point on the Math's side of the business. I am based in the UK, hence things like Health and Dental and very good and free, therefore no need for costly private insurance. Pensions, the same, although I would make arrangements myself to contribute to it privately also. Taxes and other deductions, I plan to hire a good accountant that can both ensure I have all my affairs in order as well as look after my financial interests. PTO/Instability is the only true financial downside I can see, however, for the latter (at least in UK) even if you are a contractor they need to give you 1-2weeks pay should they wish to terminate the contract early - which should keep me afloat while finding new work.

All that being said, I think the main difference between US and UK when it comes to permanent salaries is that the US has much higher base in average rates than when compared to the UK. Not to mention the buying power of that salary is order of magnitudes higher than over here. Therefore in a way, it seems more unlikely (if I were to be over there) to do contracting when balancing the pro's and con's of both options.

Thanks again for your words, and advice.

My current package is along the following; 45k, 2k bonus, pension, private health, private dental, some training, and perks (gym, subsidised food, etc).

Regarding the pro's and con's in terms of benefits yes, I am considering them, and still a substantial net salary increase (2x)

Thanks that's good validation.

I assume from your comment you must be a Contractor, can I ask how do you find it?

>> experience

Good point! And that's my concern (eg. Broad = Contracting Vs. Depth = Permanent)

I'm 25, strong academic background (BSc + MSc).

4 years professional experience at the same company, currently a Senior Dev.

In my current role I do a lot of greenfield development, machine learning, big data stuff and working with Open Source technologies.