Becoming a Contractor
The way people view their work life is changing. More and more professionals are stepping away from the constraints of permanent employment in order to embrace the freedoms of contracting.
Currently, the PCG estimates that there are 1.4 million people operating in an independent capacity in the UK, with 60 per cent of these appearing between 2011 and 2012.
Indeed, the latest data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has indicated that the population of self-employed individuals operating in the UK has been slowly growing since 2008.
With this shift in working attitudes occurring, it’s safe to assume that more permanent staff may be considering their options when it comes to how their career progresses. Contracting could be the perfect choice for many workers who are looking for something different in terms of their jobs.
Where to start?
Becoming a contractor is not just as easy as an individual quitting their current job and saying “I’m a contractor now”. In fact, it's far from this. The process can be challenging and involves a lot of big decisions being made early on.
Taxes, payment, expenses, holidays, sick pay, working hours and a number of other factors all have to be taken into account when deciding to become an independent professional.
However, the process is hugely rewarding and many find that once they start working in this way, they do not go back to permanent employment.
Increased rates of pay, claimable expenses and a better work/life balance are just some of the factors that make being a contractor a very attractive option.
Going solo
Many have the perception that a contractor flies completely solo, and this is a daunting prospect for a lot of individuals considering making the switch. However, this doesn’t always have to be the case.
Currently, the PCG estimates that there are 1.4 million people operating in an independent capacity in the UK, with 60 per cent of these appearing between 2011 and 2012.
Indeed, the latest data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has indicated that the population of self-employed individuals operating in the UK has been slowly growing since 2008.
With this shift in working attitudes occurring, it’s safe to assume that more permanent staff may be considering their options when it comes to how their career progresses. Contracting could be the perfect choice for many workers who are looking for something different in terms of their jobs.
Where to start?
Becoming a contractor is not just as easy as an individual quitting their current job and saying “I’m a contractor now”. In fact, it's far from this. The process can be challenging and involves a lot of big decisions being made early on.
Taxes, payment, expenses, holidays, sick pay, working hours and a number of other factors all have to be taken into account when deciding to become an independent professional.
However, the process is hugely rewarding and many find that once they start working in this way, they do not go back to permanent employment.
Increased rates of pay, claimable expenses and a better work/life balance are just some of the factors that make being a contractor a very attractive option.
Going solo
Many have the perception that a contractor flies completely solo, and this is a daunting prospect for a lot of individuals considering making the switch. However, this doesn’t always have to be the case.
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