The All New Megathread

[Sir Trev]

Originally Posted by Heorot

Odd isn't it Mav. I was a freelance IT analyst/designer for many years before IR35 killed that career in 2003.

The "great leveller" of IR35 is apparently going to hit those of us contracting in the private sector too soon. Oh joy. Thankfully I get brought in to look at change and specific projects mainly which is not part of the day-to-day, so I can argue successfully that I am outside of it.

Considering the amount of tax* my contracting generates you'd think it would be encouraged more, but then that would be sensible and we know governments of all colours are not good at that.




*20% VAT on all billings, PAYE and NI (I am partly paid via a payroll), Corporation Tax, tax on dividends (the allowance is peanuts now).

[Heorot]

Mav, because I was a contractor, I was constantly changing employers. I once worked out that I had worked for 25 companies in my career, 6 weeks being the shortest. term. When I was a contractor I was signing for 3 months at a time and then mostly having the contract extended. So, constant changes kept me fresh and interested.

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by Heorot

Mav, because I was a contractor, I was constantly changing employers. I once worked out that I had worked for 25 companies in my career, 6 weeks being the shortest. term. When I was a contractor I was signing for 3 months at a time and then mostly having the contract extended. So, constant changes kept me fresh and interested.

I used to be able to switch jobs within our mob, so if you got fed up, then as you state it keeps you fresh and interested, but it's no longer possible, due to changes in employment contracts and departments being split off and merged with other agencies.

I've been doing this job in one form or fashion since 1984, and I still get a buzz from it, although it's not like it was in the 80s. It's a very niche job, and due to my experience, I'm one of a rare breed.

[Teejayexc]

Sir Trev, you might want to have a looksie?

https://www.ir35testing.co.uk/TakeTheTest

[Heorot]

Originally Posted by maviczap

I've been doing this job in one form or fashion since 1984, and I still get a buzz from it, although it's not like it was in the 80s. It's a very niche job, and due to my experience, I'm one of a rare breed.

I know what you mean about niche skills; that's how I got into contracting in the first place. I was head hunted because I was one of only 2 people in the UK with the mix of skills that was wanted and the other person was the contractor who recommended me to the agency. Programming on a GEC4000 machine and designing and programming using the proprietary Progress Relational Database system.

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by Heorot

I know what you mean about niche skills; that's how I got into contracting in the first place. I was head hunted because I was one of only 2 people in the UK with the mix of skills that was wanted and the other person was the contractor who recommended me to the agency. Programming on a GEC4000 machine and designing and programming using the proprietary Progress Relational Database system.

I'm unlikely to get headhunted, my mob would and think that a "Jack of all trades" is the best thing. But those at the workface know it's never ever worked and never will.

[munkygunn182]

What's that I can smell? The impending beginning of biking season? Yes!

[Sir Trev]

Originally Posted by munkygunn182

What's that I can smell? The impending beginning of biking season? Yes!

I'll hold out a bit longer I think... also want to get my seat upgraded with a gel insert like I did with the SV before I do much riding this year.

[Chris_SVS]

Originally Posted by munkygunn182

What's that I can smell? The impending beginning of biking season? Yes!

Never stopped as such for me. Mid march on in NI is the real season start. Everyone comes out of hibernation in the run up to the NW200.

[maviczap]

Anybody been tossing tonight