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My Guide to Software Engineering Contracting in UK

codedeepdives.com

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Re: My Guide to Software Engineering Contracting in UK

#31

Post by aussieguy1234 »

sirsinsalot wrote: post #27
aussieguy1234 wrote: post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

If the person writing the questions is a Senior Engineer already and knows how to evaluate the answers properly for correctness, you probably would not be able to tell, even if they've only had minimal exposure to let's say, Ruby or Python as opposed to JavaScript/TypeScript. Or writing advanced SQL queries when they don't do this very often.

You're assuming the red flag relates to technical correctness. It doesn't. It's a red flag about mindset and diligence. Using genAI is fine, using it to bolster a lack of underlying knowledge as I read it, is a red flag.

Most engineers will come across something they haven't used before in most roles. Perhaps some legacy system in some dying language, for example. Previously, they might have spent hours on Google. Now, GPT-4 can unblock them in seconds.

It cant replace the mindset of a human, but what I'm basically saying here is with GPT-4 and good prompting skills, you can be alot more brave when it comes to new unfamiliar tech. That's an advantage in a fast changing tech landscape.

Re: My Guide to Software Engineering Contracting in UK

#32

Post by madeofpalk »

I did this a bunch in another country for a few years, then moved to the UK and did contracting through a limited company for a few years.

But now, I've switched to a perm role and I'm enjoying it a lot more. There's a lot less admin and tax stuff I need to deal with - I can focus fully on being a developer - plus I'm working on more fulfilling projects over longer periods, and making longer-term plans.

Technically I guess I could be earning more cash, but that came at the cost of time and stress that I just don't worry about any more. I'd much rather be happy.

Re: My Guide to Software Engineering Contracting in UK

#33

Post by dukeyukey »

aussieguy1234 wrote: post #11

Remember, with GPT-4 around its alot easier to work with a language or technology you only have minimal exposure to. It's like having a Principal Engineer around 24/7 that you can ask questions to unblock you. So dive right in. You can also use it to practice the interview before the actual interview.

It's more like having an overeager intern around 24/7. Good at spitting back documentation at me or finding something from Stack Overflow, but really struggles with much else.

Ise use ChatGPT and Copilot all day, they're incredible useful! But let's not overstate their power.

Re: My Guide to Software Engineering Contracting in UK

#34

Post by NicoJuicy »

aussieguy1234 wrote: post #11

Remember, with GPT-4 around its alot easier to work with a language or technology you only have minimal exposure to. It's like having a Principal Engineer around 24/7 that you can ask questions to unblock you. So dive right in. You can also use it to practice the interview before the actual interview.

Gpt-4 isn't an engineer. It's a stack overflow summarizer.

If you would do new things, it won't be able to help you.

Re: My Guide to Software Engineering Contracting in UK

#36

Post by te_chris »

aussieguy1234 wrote: post #31
sirsinsalot wrote: post #27

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You're assuming the red flag relates to technical correctness. It doesn't. It's a red flag about mindset and diligence. Using genAI is fine, using it to bolster a lack of underlying knowledge as I read it, is a red flag.

Most engineers will come across something they haven't used before in most roles. Perhaps some legacy system in some dying language, for example. Previously, they might have spent hours on Google. Now, GPT-4 can unblock them in seconds. It cant replace the mindset of a human, but what I'm basically saying here is with GPT-4 and good prompting skills, you can be alot more brave when it comes to new unfamiliar tech. Th…

I can’t work out if your responses are being written by GPT or not.

Re: My Guide to Software Engineering Contracting in UK

#37

Post by danw1979 »

lbreakjai wrote: post #30
sirsinsalot wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

650 a day is still common. It just isn't as visible because the government injected fear in to the market.

I'm out of the game (Even out of the UK) but I work for a British company, with about 30 contractors on board. We're starting to wind the project down, and I think there's a genuine sense of fear that the market has considerably dried up.

It has. Unless you are willing to take a reduced rate, there’s not a lot out there. I’m just about to go perm again after 6 years contracting because I’ll be better off !

Re: My Guide to Software Engineering Contracting in UK

#38

Post by petepete »

Dayshine wrote: post #4
codedeep wrote: post #2

My experience and tips for being a software developer contractor, in the UK

You mention you get to learn new skills and technologies; but if they only want to hire people who can immediately do what they need, how does that happen? Does it involve a bit of stretching your experience?

I'm a UK contractor and I'd say I've learnt lots of new skills and tech in my periphery while on Ruby on Rails and database contracts.

In the last few years I've been exposed to enough Kubernetes, Terraform, Docker, Azure, Google Cloud, Dataform and BigQuery to feel comfortable putting them on CV.

Microsoft Dynamics and SharePoint too but I don't think I could face any more.

Re: My Guide to Software Engineering Contracting in UK

#39

Post by vidarh »

PaulRobinson wrote: post #23
ksahin wrote: post #17

With a limited company generating £100k/year in revenue, I’m curious how much a contractor would earn after salary tax? (assuming no admin/accounting costs)

Put it through a limited company and you’ll pay a lot less than as salary (and PAYE). It’s a weird quirk, but it’s about half the tax roughly. Means you’ll net about £80k minus some small costs. It’s been some years since I did this but an accountant can advise you and help you deal with any national insurance payments need to be dealt with.

The current dividend rates + IR35 means the gap is much smaller than it used to be.

Re: My Guide to Software Engineering Contracting in UK

#40

Post by danw1979 »

jacobp100 wrote: post #15
sirsinsalot wrote: post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Don't touch umbrella setups. Don't go inside IR35. Businesses either hire contractors for a liquid and expendable workforce... Or they hire high skill people who take on more liability and charge for it accordingly. Be in the second group. They don't use umbrella setups.

I found inside IR35 can be much more lucrative. It's big companies that have more money, can't hire enough perms, and just need stuff done

Absolutely agree. If you’re willing to maximise your pension savings, inside IR35 work with a higher day rate is usually more lucrative overall, even though you have to pay tax the normal way (gasp!).

Also, being on PAYE through an umbrella is less admin, no worries about HMRC, and lower overheads compared to Ltd - no accountants, business bank account, xero/sage (if you’re a DIYer), insurances, etc.

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