Re: Working for a subcontractor

["Lurker writer" <lurker_writer -at- hotmail -dot- com>]

Lisa:

Welcome to the world of contracting...I'm guessing here but the fact that 
you sound like you've been blindsided indicates that maybe you didn't 
research the contracting option thoroughly enough.

As a former contractor (1099 and W-2), I had to deal with prima dona 
writers/editors/managers of the client company; I had to forego training on 
the company's nickel and pay for it myself on my own time (usually evenings 
and weekends); occasionally I got the lousy jobs to work on that nobody 
wanted; I couldn't participate in the client company functions; I had a 
lousy 401K and my insurance was only adequate when I worked through an 
agency. But the jobs were not long term and my hourly rate was very good.

I once worked a six-month contract that I couldn't wait to get out of. When 
the contract was about to expire (and I was ready to vacation in the Bahamas 
for a week), the client came to me and begged me to stay on for another 2 
months until the project was finished--no matter the cost. I doubled my 
hourly rate and they didn't blink. So, this is early 1994 and I'm making 
something like $70 or $80 an hour...but I counted down the hours until the 
end of that contract. Contracting can be a double-edged sword too.

Working as a contractor and a captive employee both have their own 
advantages and disadvantages. Not everyone is cut out to be a contractor or 
be self-employed; and not everyone is cut out to be a good foot soldier 
(employee). It sounds like you prefer the comfort (relative term) of being a 
full-time employee. And that's OK as it looks like it will give you those 
things you want and need in an organizational setting.




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