"I’d recommend it. The key advice is to make sure you're prepared to travel as sometimes you’ll need to commute in order to visit a client. Sometimes you might have no choice but to go where the work is, but what I'd definitely recommend is that people plan it out properly."
1. Has your experience of working as a contractor changed over the last two years?
When I first started it was all target-based and quite stressful. But I stuck with it, and geared myself towards it. I understand now that with my particular contract it’s a number game with targets that need to be met. And now that I know exactly what I'm going to be doing I’ve been able to weigh things up and contracting gives me more flexibility...
2. Would you ever go back to permanent employment?
When I weigh up what a permanent person gets and what I get, it's a no-brainer for me. And that's not just financially, it's also the flexibility that I have from being a contractor. As far as I'm concerned, contracting has been great.
3. Has any aspect of contracting been difficult for you?
When you move from a permanent position to a contracting position, it's a big change. You go from a place where everything's done for you - like pensions, holiday pay, sick pay - and it's a nice comfort zone to be in. What I'm doing now, I have more responsibility but if anything, it's made me more confident.
4. How have PayStream helped you over the last two years?
When I decided to change to a limited company, one of PayStream's advisors talked me through what to do and how to process things. I've been happy with the service I get from PayStream. Whenever I've emailed them they've got back to me pretty quickly, and it's very simple to use the online [accountancy] platform.
5. What advice would you give to people thinking of contracting in your industry?
I’d recommend it. The key advice is to make sure you're prepared to travel as sometimes you’ll need to commute in order to visit a client. Sometimes you might have no choice but to go where the work is, but what I'd definitely recommend is that people plan it out properly.
Miguel had plenty more to say about the world of contracting, so for more information you can read his full case study here. We always love hearing about people who’ve seen such a positive impact from becoming a contractor, and we’re happy we’ve been able to help Miguel achieve what he wanted out of his career.
