Struggling to make a decision..

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Hi Guys,

Hope all is well.

I'm currently struggling to decide what to do in my career. I work for a consultancy and been here for around 2 years now. I focus very heavily on Citrix and VMware involving implementation of XenApp, XenDesktop, NetScalers.. supporting them, health checks and various different projects. However the company has come to the point where I am still learning new technology but not really specialising as much as i would like.

I have seen other jobs in VMware and Citrix but feel i may end up becoming just an administrator and supporting those technologies rather than building them and involved in projects.

So the alternative... Contracting!

Would you guys go from being in a permanent position to contracting.. I fear leaving something reasonable for contacting and the worry of the unknown and what if i dont find another job... but not wanting to go into another job which takes me away from becoming a specialist.. Also money is a driver in all of this as I feel I'm underpaid for the job i do.

Would you guys take that risk?




Thanks!


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That's a very tough one to answer, there obviously is risk, but the rewards can be great.

I have several ex colleagues who have all recently-ish left work and most are now on the contracting circuit, they range from Change management/ITIL all the way to Wintel/VM and AIX specialists etc. most have done very well and say the phone hasn't stopped ringing, but they are all leaving a HUGE world over known company that I think you would struggle to find someone who didn't know it, so I suspect that helps!

There are too many variables to be able to give a definitive answer, however if you think there is enough need for your skills, that you are good at selling yourself for those skills and also that the market is there in your area, then there is defo money to be made.

Bad side of things with contracting though is a large percentage of roles in my experience are to support a lead person in a new tech or rollout etc, so you will probably end up doing more paperwork and admin than real building and developing if that makes sense!

Good luck regardless of what you choose to do though!

 

Hmm huge company, Hampshire, mentions AIX, IBM by any chance? ;)

 

Haha, no, not IBM, although they do have a large office nearby. Familiar with the area are you!?!

 

A little yeah.

 

If you know Citrix and VMWare well and have a VCP and a CCA which you seem to have then I've seen contracts that pay a lot for those skills especially if you have Security Clearance. Like anything there is always a risk so you want to minimise that risk by saving some cash up as a financial buffer to be able to cover bills for 3 months if things take a turn for the worse. Also look at the local jobs market to make sure there is a market for your skills. Maybe ring a few good local agencies. You may also have to be prepared to travel.

 

Markets not great at the moment for contracting, lot experienced contractors sitting on the bench.

 

My ultimate aim is to go contracting - not just the money but for the new experiences and being my own boss!
Another thing to remember about contracting is that there are effectively two types:-
1. you act a bit like a temp - they pay your salary monthly like everyone else
2. you set your self up as a company (in most instances) and the business you work for pays your company for your services. Great for tax purposes, but "supplier terms" can mean that your company does not get paid for 90 days (or whatever the contract is), as a friend of mine found out. If you do it this way get a financial buffer behind you.

No one can make the decision for you, but see what is available in your area and take it from there.

Good luck

G