Working as a Contractor

Are you considering a move into Contracting or Self-Employment?
 
Being a contractor is very different from being employed. There are many more risks, but there are also a great many advantages. You will effectively be selling your experience, skills and time, and will usually be paid by the day or hour.
 
What are the benefits for the client?  

1. There are several reasons why companies like to use contractors:
2. They provide skills that the in-house team may not have
3. They are usually more flexible over hours etc. than permanent staff
4. They do not represent a long term commitment
5. They are quick to mobilise

What are the benefits for the contractor?  

1. Every contractor has his or her own reasons for choosing this path but generally the benefits include:
2. The opportunity to be your own boss
3. The potential to earn significantly more money
4. The freedom to choose when and where to work, and when to take career breaks
5. A greater amount of varied work and experience
6. Reduce the amount of tax paid on earnings