Insights Freelancer

Thinking About Trying Contracting?.

about 6 years ago by General

Here’s everything you need to know.

To someone that’s always been in a permanent position, the idea of contracting can seem a bit daunting. Here at Aspire, we’ve worked with placing contractors for over 20 years, so we know a thing or two about it.

Firstly, let’s get back to basics: What is a contractor?

A contractor goes into a business for a temporary amount of time to work in a specific role. The needs for contractors are endless, however some of the popular reasons why contractors are in high demand to our clients is because they may need urgent assistance on a specific project, they need a role to be filled until a permanent person comes into / returns to the business, or they may need an expert to come in as a consultant. Contractors often use agencies to help them find positions and manage some of the admin. This is where we come in!

Why us?

We work with some of the best names in the business offering candidates the chance to work for the likes of MediaCom, Nissan and NEWS UK. Here at Aspire we build a close rapport with our clients and our candidates, keeping in touch regularly and working around you to make sure we are doing things right. 96% of our candidates are placed in the right roles, even for a temporary role getting the best fit for all parties is as important to us as it is for you.

When can you start contracting?

Our clients are on the look-out for all levels of contract candidates from executives to business directors. As long as you have over a year's worth of marketing experience and you can start quickly, we can help.

As we roll into 2018 we see more and more marketers sliding into the world of contracting, simply because of the preferred flexibility, exposure to multiple companies in a short space of time and consistent change.

So, is contracting for you? Here are the top 6 reasons why you should consider becoming a contractor:

Flexibility - Now, more than ever, parents want to see their children’s plays rather than working late; people want to work for six months and travel to South America instead of working all year round only to enjoy a UK break when time allows. Contracting offers these opportunities and here at Aspire the main bulk of our contracts span from three-six months – usually with the opportunity of an extension. In addition to this, as a contracted employee many clients are open to remote working for some days during the week.
Work/life balance - If you work in marketing it’s not unusual to stay behind after 5pm to work on impending deadlines and eating cereal at 9pm with your eyes fixated on the screen. Contractors only work the times that they are contracted to do and get paid for. This brings me on to my next point.
No office politics - Isn’t it the dream to come in, do your work and go home? You don’t have to worry about snooty emails or who’s earning more. With contracting, you’re a lone ranger if you want to be. No awful Secret Santa gifts for you, you just deliver the goods to the client and that’s all that matters!
Fast and furious - Temporary jobs are common and in high demand. Clients need you and they need you now! This means one stage interviews, immediate start dates, and one week notice periods. Let’s not forget that contracting also offers a change from the monotonous life at “the office”; you can work for different clients globally and progress faster. It’s perfect for candidates who don’t want the sit on the same tube every day.
Be your own boss - If you want to try a contract whilst looking for your dream job, you can contract and be paid via an umbrella company who manage all your finances and taxes. This means you can pass over all your hard work for the time being. However, if you decide to become a long-term contractor you can create your own limited company and cut out the middle man meaning you are in control of the money you earn.
Most importantly, the pay is good! - The last but certainly not least reason: money. When you contract, you’ll be paid on a day rate which is roughly your annual salary + 10% - 20% uplift. In perspective, an Account Manager who is earning £40,000 per annum on a permanent contract could be earning up to £250 per day equating to over £65,000 per annum if they tried contracting.

There are some pointers worth remembering when it comes to contract work; contractors don’t get company packages and benefits such as pension schemes and paid sick / holiday leave. Once the project has been completed the client can decide that you’re no longer required.

However, with the uplift in pay and the influx of temporary jobs, it’s worth the risk, don’t you reckon?

If you get in touch with a contract hiring specialist here at Aspire we can help you to evaluate what’s best, providing you with personal advice, so we’ll be able to place you into your next contract role.

How does contracting sound? Are you willing to take a leap of faith and try something different? If you are interested in the idea of contracting and would like some more information, just get in touch.