Going on contract in Dublin as a tester

cronos

I'm currently working in a permanent job as a Systems Tester in Dublin. I have about 4 years experience and an ISEB ISTQB cert in software testing and a degree in computer science.

I'm currently making 33,000 euro a year + benefits, which I believe is well below the market average for my position.

My question is should I go on contract. It's difficult to see my pay increasing in my current job in the current climate. But I know if I went on contract that if I could maintain concurrent contracts without big gaps between contracts that I could make allot more money with my experience.

Anyone got any experience working test contracts at the moment through consultancy firms?

Thanks

The Hill Billy

I've been working as a contractor in testing (mainly management & consultancy) for 13+ years, so I am speaking from bitter recent experience...

With the market at the moment I honestly think that you'd be better looking for another permanent role offering a higher salary rather than going freelance.

It isn't only the money that you need to think about, job security & continuity should also play a major part in your decision. Also, are you thinking of limiting yourself to Dublin/Ireland/wherever or are you open to overseas engagements?

Are your test skills applications/platform/industry-specific or are your skills easily transferrable - thus allowing you greater scope when seeking new roles?

The above are a few of the key things that you should consider.

Best of luck!

cronos

Hill Billy wrote: »

I've been working as a contractor in testing (mainly management & consultancy) for 13+ years, so I am speaking from bitter recent experience...

With the market at the moment I honestly think that you'd be better looking for another permanent role offering a higher salary rather than going freelance.

It isn't only the money that you need to think about, job security & continuity should also play a major part in your decision. Also, are you thinking of limiting yourself to Dublin/Ireland/wherever or are you open to overseas engagements?

Are your test skills applications/platform/industry-specific or are your skills easily transferrable - thus allowing you greater scope when seeking new roles?

The above are a few of the key things that you should consider.

Best of luck!

Thanks, I've been thinking that could be true also. It's hard to know how easy or hard it is to move between contracts. Like having one contract ready when another finishes.

Permanent is always less risky. Decisions decisions...

Mrs OBumble

Hill Billy wrote: »

With the market at the moment I honestly think that you'd be better looking for another permanent role offering a higher salary rather than going freelance.

+1 to that.

As well as the immediate money, if you go self-employed your eligibility for welfare in future decreases markedly. In the current market, I wouldn't risk it if I had the choice.

irishguy

cronos wrote: »

I'm currently working in a permanent job as a Systems Tester in Dublin. I have about 4 years experience and an ISEB ISTQB cert in software testing and a degree in computer science.

I'm currently making 33,000 euro a year + benefits, which I believe is well below the market average for my position.

My question is should I go on contract. It's difficult to see my pay increasing in my current job in the current climate. But I know if I went on contract that if I could maintain concurrent contracts without big gaps between contracts that I could make allot more money with my experience.

Anyone got any experience working test contracts at the moment through consultancy firms?

Thanks

I would look for a perm role, you dont really have that much experience so it may be hard to get contracts. Also contract would have to pay around 50% more just to compare with a perm role (assuming all the usual benefits)