apart from the 20% i get ripped of for sometimes, Ian you might not get that but the agency does

I have worked both sides of the fence aswell. There are so many variables and factors that can influence which of these working environments is more preferable.

I don’t know what its like in Europe and Asia at the moment but in Australia there is so much demand for planners and project controllers that we can pretty much pick and choose where we work, how we work, and who we work for (lucky us eh!) I think people in all professions are looking for more flexibility (work hours, pay, working from home) these days. At the moment the freelance environment supports this very well however I think many companies are beginning to realise that they need to offer a bit more flexibility to keep their valuable resources from jumping ship all the time.

As IT software and infrastructure continues to improve the opportunity to work from home and outside ’normal’ hours will increase in both freelance and perm environments.

At the end of the day it depends on what you value more. Some people are willing to make lifestyle sacrifices to earn more money while others (like myself) prefer to have a bit less pay and more time to spend it with my family and friends.

From my experiences, I think contractors get the same treatment as employees.
I get invited to Christmas parties; I get brought beer from the boss after work.
I have always been included just as much as others in terms of a “team”.
When I did work for a company I worked my socks off trying to impress to get a good foot in. I worked on site doing nights and also planning as well, saving this company a lot of money thought the year by me doing the work and them not having to hire someone in to do it (railway duties (Snr Picop – E.S – P.C) and also the planning aspect.
What did I get….. Nothing not even a thank you.
So from then on I have been a sub contractor.
When in the UK I was paid a good rate, good company and was in long-term work.
I also do not like to feel comfortable with work; If there is a risk I could be gone tomorrow, keeps me on my toes today to ensure my sh!t does not stink, my work is always up to date.
In this day and age where contractor works alongside employee I do not think there is much difference in treatment of staff. As far as secutity goes – if your good then they will not let you go. The hardest thing I done was make the uncertain step of contractor to Sub-contractor, but I have never looked back since.
Young mans game, I know sub-contractors who are in long term work who are 55 +
For me I have earned enough money to have two houses (one rented out) and new car for my wife and myself and a nice life style. As far as expenses go you can claim back – Travel, Petrol, food, phone bill, office at home – lots of stuff to ensure you are taking home the maximum amount without breaking any laws.
Again for me it is what “I can get” as most companies I have worked for really see you as a number and a good result if they can get your services on the cheap.
I am happy being a sub contractor; I get to see lots of different aspects of planning from different planning teams, new industries and new friends.
If you are the sort who does not mix well then maybe staying where you are day in; day out is best, you might feel you are great in your job – but someone else in another company will not think the same !!!
I feel sub contracting has given me a lot, money, friends from different industries and great experience in planning from Railways – High rise buildings, oil & gas, heavy Civils. I have now got the opportunity to expand further in another country, I love my job and I am still a sub contractor !!! I have not been out of work in years for a long length of time as I know a lot of people who value what I do.

James
Was it the chocolate eating wife who caused the accidents or is she the idiot driver?
I am at a loss to know.

The lifestyle choice though is important, I do get from time to time offers from headhunters in Papau New Guinea who offer me incredible deals to work in harsh environments for people who resemble ta place where the sun does not shine.

Not for me, I am afraid I like to go home and see my family and live a reasonable life. Contract works is a young mans game in my limited opinion, they dont need the healthcare but do need the money.

Dunno about which way the market is going - but it seems to depend on the industry. I’ve been on both sides of the fence and it’s near impossible to say which side is better. Each one has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Contracting definitely has the money but you probably suffer the consequence of continual work change, family disruption, commuting/living-away. I’ve known many a sub-contractor who has forgone the money so that they could be closer to home. Moreover, by the time you’ve paid all your expenses, does it really provide that much more of a nett income? (this is wholly dependent on one’s level of seniority etc.) Permanent: the main benefit is that of security, being part of a team and being recognised for one’s skills and experience (opportunity to influence & educate???) - a wider variety of work without the need to go through the rigmarole of changing jobs - and getting to know how the individual team-members think and work. The pay?? Well, very few people are ever satisfied with what they earn and we could all do with a bit more. However, that is down to the individual and their lifestyle/budgetary requirements - (although house-prices are the biggest influencing factor). Even though I have a very modest lifestyle, my commuting is minimal and my pay is quite low relative to a contractor, I can still afford to raise two children, pay a small mortgage, allow the wife to be a full-time mother - run two cars - save some money.....and still get home to be with my girls every night. Actually, I have zero social-life and haven’t seen the inside of a pub for about ten years. I drive a 17 year-old car that has been front-ended, rear-ended and scraped on a least three occasions (all by other idiot drivers) - and the wife eats about 4 tons of chocolate every month :-)

Ultimately, I’d say that the biggest factor is that of house prices. I’m happy to change jobs - on a permanent basis, but I’d need a 50% pay increase, should it require moving house (or paying for my own expenses).....and this is just to stand still in terms of nett disposable income. Yes, I could command that sort of salary (and more, should I go contract); but would I get improved job-satisfaction and a better work-life balance?....highly unlikely.

James.