From: Sean C (upp_and_upp@hotmail.com)
Date: Wed Apr 16 2008 - 16:54:03 ART
Mr. Nuts,
I've done all three types of work in the DC region -
1-self-employed contractor
2-worked as a contractor for 3 different 'small' companies
3-presently working for a Fortune100 company contracted to one Federal
agency (2 years+)
I'm on the hiring board for engineers at this federal agency (non-govy
hiring other non-govys). I've seen a fair share of applicants that were
self-employed, but that are now looking for work at this Federal agency via
working for a company. Not writing against self employment to a federal
agency, perhaps I'm just seeing all the ones that failed at being
self-employed (trying to be respectful here). A few of my co-workers are
self-contracting quite successfully.
To answer your question - of the three choices, I'm most comfortable with
working as a contractor for the large company. Not sure I agree at all with
your comments about 1-2% raise and bonus, but must admit I was under a
similar impression before I started working for such a company. Of course,
one thing to consider also is what type of clearance you presently have, and
are capable of earning.
Again, this is strictly speaking from contract work at different Federal
agencies around the DC region. Not commenting at all on the commercial job
market in the DC area (which I understand is a different beast altogether in
this area).
HTH,
Sean C #17085
----- Original Message -----
From: "Cisco Nuts" <cisconuts@hotmail.com>
To: "Steve" <steve.ccie@googlemail.com>; "Gary Duncanson"
<gary.duncanson@googlemail.com>
Cc: <ccielab@groupstudy.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 11:53 AM
Subject: RE: contract or perm?
> So definitely, contracting looks "better" and "brighter"...especially if
> you
> are a CCIE and know your sh%$.......!!!
>
> How about in the DC region? Anyone doing contracting as a CCIE? Is it
> worth it
> to be just a contractor in a 'small' company with one of those DHS/Gov't
> contracts and making good money (how much money is good money anyways?)
>
> or
>
> just being a "permy" in one of those big companies whose overall
> performance
> is directly related to your 1-2% raise and/or possible bonus after 12 long
> months?
>
> Thx....
>
>> CC: ccielab@groupstudy.com
>> To: gary.duncanson@googlemail.com
>> Subject: Re: contract or perm?
>> Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008 08:24:45 +0100
>> From: steve.ccie@googlemail.com
>>
>> Hi,
>>
>> I have worked both sides of the fence - long term permy (in Australia)
>> now contractor (last 2 years in UK).
>> Advantages to both, disadvantages to both.
>>
>> The thing I hated about being permy was as your skills and knowledge
>> grew, you became a valuable asset to the company but when it came to
>> growing your salary to suit,
>> lets just say it was always " we would love to pay you more but the
>> company can't afford it right now". Sure, benefits can make up a
>> little but does it really reflect your worth?
>> The second thing I really, really hated was all the fringe bullshit -
>> office politics, having to attend rubbish HR training, hours/days lost
>> in meetings/committees discussing non core topics (sorry for the pun).
>>
>> Contracting certainly gives you the freedom to grow in a much
>> different way. Sure, salary improves greatly and benefits can be a
>> achieved but it is up to you personally to put these in place. You can
>> certainly undertake health, pension, training investments from your
>> grand salary and depending on the country/tax laws you are in, you can
>> gain tax breaks for doing so.
>>
>> The best thing I found being a contractor was your work time was
>> focussed purely on core topics - no company can afford to pay a
>> contractor good money to do those rubbish little tasks. I also found
>> that most permys you work with to be really good - they don't treat me
>> any different. I always felt a part of the team regardless of
>> situation - I haven't had any negative experiences at all. You do need
>> to appreciate the office politics internally and remain neutral at all
>> times (shrug your shoulders and say "what do I know, I am just the
>> contractor..." has avoided many awkward conversations of internal
>> affairs).
>>
>> The big downside with contracting is gaps in employment. It is great
>> to snag a long term gig but sometimes, between gigs can be stressful.
>>
>> My 2cents worth.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Steve
>>
>>
>>
>> On 15 Apr 2008, at 18:42, Gary Duncanson wrote:
>>
>> > Group,
>> >
>> > I realise that this could potentially turn into a difficult thread
>> > but I think
>> > those with emotional intelligence will prevent that!
>> >
>> > I wonder if folks could post the benefits of being contract or permy
>> > these
>> > days in terms of cisco network/engineer/designer employment.
>> >
>> > Things have changed..
>> >
>> > In 1997 companies charged $2000 dollars a day (per technician) for
>> > Joe's idiot
>> > son to install Windows 95 according to the idiots instructions to
>> > move from
>> > Novell to NT..*sigh*
>> >
>> > *caveat* the drive mappings didn't work, nor the printing!
>> >
>> > *further caveat* Apologies in advance to Joe's mom,
>> >
>> > I'm sure she's a nice lady who makes great gumbo!
>> >
>> > It's a different landscape these days but how are you doing?
>> >
>> >
>> > Pass the CCIE in six weeks, Guaranteed!
>> > http://www.certscience.com/CCIE
>> > _______________________________________________________________________
>> > Subscription information may be found at:
>> > http://www.groupstudy.com/list/CCIELab.html
>>
>>
>> Pass the CCIE in six weeks, Guaranteed!
>> http://www.certscience.com/CCIE
>> _______________________________________________________________________
>> Subscription information may be found at:
>> http://www.groupstudy.com/list/CCIELab.html
>>
>>
>>
>
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>
>
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