"Just the freedom of being able to actually move about more. If you're getting fed up with a particular contract, or things aren't going too well, you can start looking while still working."
1. How has your work life changed in the last ten years?
The internet, with all the different jobs websites where I can now search, has been the biggest change. I didn't have that capability when I was first setting out in contracting. Word of mouth got me my first contract, then telephoning agencies and speaking to people, whereas now it's all online.
2. Did you have any difficult periods?
I had a period where I had no choice but to travel and stay overnight, which meant being away from my family for a few months. But that’s part of being a contractor, working away.
3. What do you like the most about being a contractor?
Just the freedom of being able to actually move about more. If you're getting fed up with a particular contract, or things aren't going too well, you can start looking while still working.
4. What do you think the future holds for contracting?
I'm thinking about IR35 kicking in, even more so next year. It does worry me slightly that it's going to be harder to carry on working as a limited company contractor. I think it's possible to work through an umbrella company, so that's something I can look at and also something that PayStream can help with.
5. What advice do you have for people looking to get into contracting?
For younger people, I think it's important to get your training in first, learn your skills, and then maybe go contracting. It was different for me, I went into contracting after I was made redundant, and I happened to get my next job as a contractor, and I've never gone back.
We’re happy to have been able to work with Gary over the past ten years, as he navigated his way through his journey as a contractor and business owner. We’ve been able to offer him advice, making sure he’s had the support he needs to succeed. If you’d like to learn more about Gary’s story, you can read his full case study here.
