Introduction
Contractors sometimes consider going back to permanent employment. This article
discusses the reasons why and offers some advice.
Reasons for Changing from Contracting to Permanent
Common reasons for moving back to permanent work include:
Tired
The highest paid contractors work very hard to stay at the top.
They are continuously reading and training themselves on the
latest trends within their arena. It is more than a nine to five
job, often encompassing evening and weekend working for no money in order to
command the highest rates in the market.
After many years of this, and perhaps with other things in life to focus on,
this amount of effort it too much. Moving into a permanent position where
training is done on the job can be attractive.
Frustrated / Bored
It can become frustrating having to keep churning out the same type of work
when moving from contract to contract. Shortly after getting the job
it is time to start at square one again elsewhere. Also, after many years doing
the same type of work it can become tedious that the only option to savour any
sanity is to move into a roles which are only available via permanent
employment.
Security
The security of the contract market is relative and depends on a contractors
ability to keep up with the latest skills and market and sell themselves.
Those that can find themselves continually in well paid contracts.
Security can become an issue for those contractors who find themselves less
able to secure contracts, particularly in market downturns. Moving into
permanent employment becomes an attractive option.
Fixed location
Some type of contract work cannot always be found close to home and being
'geographically mobile' for each new contract can be annoying, particularly
for contractors with families.
Same money
The most common situation for contractors returning to permanent work is
the reasons above combined with an offer from an existing client to go
permanent where the financial renumeration works out about the
same.
Issues when returning to permanent work
Politics
Corporate politics will increase dramatically, particularly if you enter a
large organisation where you hope to rise up the ladder. Large organisations
have many middle managers playing games and building minature empires that are
more aligned with increasing their own status and level in the
company than actually benefiting the company.
If you are entering at a management level and are not a fan of politics then it
would be advisable to re think your strategy.
Job Security
After a probation period (up to one year) a
permanent job is more secure than contracting. You also get paid if
you are sick days and holidays.
However, whilst there are advantageous employment regulations on your side
there are others ways of forcing people to leave companies. Don't bet solely on
the security.
Money
It is unlikely you will get as much money as contracting and you will need to
take into account other benefits such as health insurance and pension etc.
Unpaid overtime
You might be expected to work overtime on the promise of
it 'looking favourable' on your next appraisal or bonus. For organisations
with bonus schemes the amount you earn will be dependant on your co workers and
not you alone. Some years you might not even get a bonus.
This might be difficult to get used to, since in contracting you know exactly
what you are going to get paid.
Training and personal development
Sadly, there are few organisations who have good training and development
programmes for their staff. If you wish to attend a training course you
will need to convince the company that they should spend the money.
It would be advisable beforehand to see if there is an allocated budget for
training.
You will lose the freedom of being able to attend any training courses that you
want.
Holiday
You will get around 20 to 25 holiday days per year plus bank holidays. You will
no longer be able to take off more than 3 weeks in a row.
Conclusion
For contractors who have been at the top of their profession for many years they
will find it hard to adapt to the culture that goes with a permanent position.
Published: Monday, December 18, 2006
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