Contracts

adam220891

So, I've been semi-actively seeking a job lately. Been at my current position for about a year and a half, doing everything from desktop support to standing up new servers, setting up a new wired/wireless 3rd party network, minor firewall/switch configs, etc. It's a pretty broad, but shallow experience and I find it frustrating when I'm in the zone working on a networking or systems administration task and have to drop it to fix a paper jam. I was hired as a 'jr network administrator' but it was my first IT job out of school, so I was happy to learn the real-world basics and work my way up. The responsibilities have increased, but the pay hardly has, and neither has the company size, so I see limited opportunity for advancement in the future.

Anyway, I see a lot of contract work in my searches. I can't see myself taking a contract when I have a full-time permanent position. Does anyone have opinions of this?

Also, is this ever negotiable? Do companies advertise for a contract job (usually it's a recruiter/staffing agency) but make exceptions if the candidate seems strong? I see good fits, but if I'm not willing to work a contract, and they're not willing to make the job permanent, then I won't waste anyone's time applying.

Looking forward to hearing from you folks.

N2IT

A lot of factors come in to play to be honest. Very difficult to answer that question with certainty.

This is just me being me, but I would look for jobs that are full time since you have a full time gig and don't seem to mind it. Take your time and explore the job boards and large corporations around your area. Contracts can be good, but temporary as well, even if advertised differently.

I made the fatal mistake of jump ship too quickly on a few occasions so I am leery of jumping too quick. 1.5 years really isn't that long for a position, if I were you I would consider keeping a position for 2 - 3 years and if you want to jump plan on 3 - 6 months for a job search. Just don't let the recruiters keep piling you in for jobs.

adam220891

Thank you for your input.

It's not that long, but I've pretty much gotten as much out of it as I'm going to. We've got 2 techs (myself included) and a manager (not counting the developer + support or the CIO) so the time only allows for a few hours for working on 'fun stuff' during the week. Fixing printers, removing viruses, and random desktop issues are interested at first, and I do think most people need to get their hands dirty when they start in this industry, but at this point in my career I don't believe I'm gaining a ton of value from repeating those tasks every week.

There has been change though. Prior to my request, certifications were not reimbursed, but they company has reimbursed my Sec+ and two CCNAs. They had not reimbursed my CCENT and I made a push on the next certification to get reimbursed going forward. Also, the manager (who started well after me), has been more willing to 'insource' a lot of the work from our MSP. Prior to a few months ago, none of us ever made switch/router changes and rarely configured anything on the firewall. I've done quiet a bit on those pieces of equipment and WLCs and have enjoyed it.

Still, compensation is very low and the projects have been less interesting. I just feel like it's time to go.

I've been searching for a few weeks and have turned down follow up interviews for a few positions that I didn't feel like aligned with my goals (a network analyst gig that really focused on systems administration (recruiter kept pitching it as great because I'd work with/near CCIEs) and a security analyst gig that was basically researching threats submitted via alarms from a software offering they deployed to clients' networks).

I have high job satisfaction due to a short commute and quality colleagues, so I'm patiently awaiting the right opportunity to show up. I've seen a few, but they were contracts or temp to hire, etc. and if they were permanent positions, I'd be fairly interested in them.

N2IT

Sounds like you have a solid plan in place. Go with your gut, just make sure to take your time and wait for the right position.

Sounds like your goals are in place, good deal there.

I would still plan on it taking 3 - 6 months to find a solid job. It may happen sooner, I just like to plan with additional padding.

Dakinggamer87

N2IT wrote: »

A lot of factors come in to play to be honest. Very difficult to answer that question with certainty.

This is just me being me, but I would look for jobs that are full time since you have a full time gig and don't seem to mind it. Take your time and explore the job boards and large corporations around your area. Contracts can be good, but temporary as well, even if advertised differently.

I made the fatal mistake of jump ship too quickly on a few occasions so I am leery of jumping too quick. 1.5 years really isn't that long for a position, if I were you I would consider keeping a position for 2 - 3 years and if you want to jump plan on 3 - 6 months for a job search. Just don't let the recruiters keep piling you in for jobs.

Agreed!! Contract work is great for getting your feet wet and to get started in the IT industry. I gained a ton of experience myself and exposure to many different environments and cultures. It helped me see what type of companies I wanted to work for and that would be an ideal fit. I also worked with many different types of people in various backgrounds which helped my soft skills and the critical elements that helped me move ahead... So definitely some pluses!!

However, going forward I only take full-time permanent positions for financial stability that's just me as I have the experience and don't need to depend as much on contract work. I would do the same as N2IT suggested of taking your time looking for a new position.

Good luck!!