I have always been a bit afraid of doing any contract work, far better money, up to £100,000 for 6 months instead of my £30,000 for a year.

However with my job i have full medical/dental, pension etc.

Its a big step to make, but you only live once!

Yorkie.

Probably completely different but self-employed/contract work in the construction industry is a nightmare and getting worse.Composite company charges for writing cheques,I Paye (basically exploiting loopholes),contractors going bust.If you work continually for the same company for more than a few months,the Inland Revenue asking why your not PAYE.The focus is to have everybody PAYE,not for income tax,its the N.I. they want,employee and employer contributions.We need the old tax system back,employed-pay as you earn.Self-employed pay as you please.

I was contract for 13 years in oil and gas. vowed I would never go staff again... then this lot made me an offer to go staff based on moving up the career ladder somewhat... not sure I'm enjoying it so far, time will tell if I've made the right choice or whether I jump ship and go contracting again...

Tough one to call, but to me contracting holds no fears

Martin

Contracting all the way, PAYE is a mugs game in England. Set up a LTD, and put all your expenses through it. You can administate the LTD company so you pay almost zero tax, and no NI, and meeting the criteria to avoid IR35 is easy, take a look at www.ir35calc.co.uk

Why do you think I can afford all my toys?!?!? I could never live like this on PAYE...

Follow your heart rather than your head...You can't buy happiness(have a good try though)If it doesn't suit you change again...piece of P iss..x

Follow the cash, nothing else matters.