This is different question if you are a permanent staff member, hoping to go freelance, or if you are already a contractor, hoping to move.  If you are a seasoned freelance contractor, then you probably don't need this advice.

Permanent going Freelance 

You reallly must consider both the pros and cons.  The pros are:

• Be in charge of your own career
• More money
• More variety (potentially)
• Easier to manage your time
• Lesser politics at work
• Opportunity to travel
  
• Opportunity to work with many companies in a short period of time 

The cons are:

• You have to find your own jobs
• Lesser job security
• May have to travel significantly away from home to find work
• Sometimes not easily accepted as part of a team
• You have to manage your own career
• Business overheads and no pensions
  

Some key questions to ask yourself are:

• Do I have sufficiently valuable skills to (a) be employable, (b) get the rates I need to make this viable?
• Can I work alone - am I a self starter
• Is there really more money for me? with IR35, travelling, training courses, gaps between assignments..
• Do I want the hassle of having my own business?

As you can see, these are all pertinent questions, and thousands of people in the UK, answer and manage their lives well.  In our opinion, it boils down to your personality and skill set, and demand in the market place.  Try and speak with another contractor, or give us a call.

Already a contractor

You may wish to consider the following:

• Re-visit why I become a contractor
  
• Is my rate fine?
• Am  I happy here? Location, assignment variety, further opportunities?
• Am I  too comfortable here? Am I being challenged enough?
• Should I go abroad?
• Do I need new skills?

Again, try and speak with a colleague or mentor, or give us a call!