At Independent Contractor Services (ICS), we may offer accountancy and administration services to contractors throughout the marketplace, but we are also interested in finding out why you chose to become a contractor.
National Freelancers Day this year wants to highlight freelancing and contracting as a lifestyle choice. On unveiling the focus for this year’s day, John Brazier said:
“The success of last year’s events underlined the growing importance of the freelance community to the economy of the UK. More and more people see freelancing as their ideal 21st century work choice. They see the potential of freelancing as a positive and rewarding choice for their work while enhancing their lifestyle.”
Journalism.co.uk has a section each fortnight called ‘Freelancer of the Fortnight’. Writer, Nadya Anscombe this week talked about the reasons why she chose to become a freelance writer. She decided to go freelance because she knew freelancing was purely about writing. From experience of talking to contractors, this is largely one of their reasons. By choosing to contract, they can concentrate on what they do best and not managing people or office politics etc.
Is this why you became a contractor? We would love to know your reasons behind choosing a contracting lifestyle.
I was made redundant 3 times in 6 years. As an Operational Risk Manager I always seemed to be in the first wave of redundancies, having set up a fully working risk framework. I realised then that I was effectively making myself redundant by doing a good job and that they could run with my framework for at least 6 months before it needed attention again by which time they could have recruited a cheaper less experienced risk manager. I therefore took the gamble and set up my own limited company last November. Since then I have had two 6-month contracts and feel in control of my future more than ever.