TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
>To anybody who's in a similar situation: How does a long-term contract
>like this work? Do contractors get benefits? Are you self-employed or do
>you work for an agency? Do you work onsite? Any problems with the IRS?
>What's in it for you?
I believe federal law makes such "contractors" eligible for some sort of
retirement benefits. I'm not sure of the details, but I know that's why
most firms around here are paranoid about using this kind of employment
arrangement.
One firm I know of makes its contractors come in through third parties and
makes the contractor change from one third party to another every nine
months or so! The change of third party does not relieve the employer of
the requirement to provide benefits, but it seems to make them worry less
that they'll get caught when they don't. ...RM
Richard Mateosian <srm -at- cyberpass -dot- net>
Review Editor, IEEE Micro Berkeley, CA
