On the bench...

Howzat · 03-06-2009, 02:33 PM

One of my closet friends got the chop about 6 months ago. He's been working freelance for as long as I can remember and was pretty much the reason why I decided to give this game a whirl. Anyway, without going into too much detail, he's now at the stage where, after too long on the bench, he's considering applying for permie roles

.

Just the thought of this makes me feel sick. I know he's a die hard contractor and wouldn't even be considering this option if things weren't as bad as they are.

Question for you guys - what's the longest you would go without work before considering permie jobs?

Pistachio · 03-06-2009, 04:34 PM

Longest I've been without work? 2 months.

Longest I would go without work? The size of my reserve funds. And then my food supply will run out anyway. Which could be a good thing.... death before the dole.

CliveP · 04-06-2009, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pistachio

Longest I've been without work? 2 months.

Longest I would go without work? The size of my reserve funds. And then my food supply will run out anyway. Which could be a good thing.... death before the dole.

I was without work for 4 months back in early 2008 and it wasn't a pleasant experience. The temptation to apply for anything (including permanent work) does cross your mind. The one thing that kept me holding out for another contract role was the fact that it would pay a year's PAYE salary in just 2 months. When you look at the numbers in the cold light of day, it's simply not cost effective to work as a permanent employee, particularly when you’ve got absolutely no plans to “climb the corporate ladder”. You’re best to sit tight, weather the storm and get yourself out there. Be proactive, market your services, make use of your network, keep in touch with the agencies and eventually something will come up.

CrazyMoose · 04-06-2009, 02:16 PM

I'd rather stay at home gardening (which I hate) than consider going perm. As long as the war chest is not down to the bear reserves, I’m quite happy bide my time and sweat it out.

Longest I ever been without work = 6 weeks

curleyted · 04-06-2009, 04:50 PM

I've been relatively lucky so far I suppose - 4 weeks, and 2 of that was because I was on holiday. Mind you, I'm pretty flexible on location and such.

The SMG · 04-06-2009, 05:27 PM

12 weeks was my longest period without work.

That was hard...

G

Howzat · 05-06-2009, 10:28 AM

thanks for all your input guys. He's now been offered a job (perm) and is seriously considering taking the giant leap backwards. The problem I have with this is that once you enter the fully employed market it's difficult, over time, not to start thinking and acting like a full time permanent employee. Whenever I'm on site, although I tend to fully engage myself in the work and the job in hand, I've always got this voice in the back of my mind telling me "I'm not the rest of these people, I'm different!"

BrilloPad · 08-06-2009, 10:04 AM

I would rather go permie than be out of work. Keeps CV current (important in IBs) and money coming in.

I would rather be contractor : but I am a realist.

<put tin helmet on and heads into bunker>

zara_blackdog · 08-06-2009, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrilloPad

I would rather go permie than be out of work. Keeps CV current (important in IBs) and money coming in.

I would rather be contractor : but I am a realist.

<put tin helmet on and heads into bunker>

Hi BP

I will tell them on the other board what you said

However, I would agree - does not have to be forever does it? I have just spent 3 months ' benched' and hated it.

A permie role is just a job, it is not for life.

Beefy198 · 08-06-2009, 02:44 PM

"I have just spent"... is that past tense for a reason Zara? I hope it's because you're now off the bench, but I see your profile on the main site still says available...