"Full-time vs. contract" & "Manifesting Intentions Without Resistance"

[Rapid]

Hi, everyone. First-time poster and long-time-Steve's-blog reader here.

Here's a little bit of my background before I post my two questions: (I'm rather short on time, so I will write in short sentences whenever possible. So please forgive me for my less-eloquent first post!)

I got laid off a little bit over a month ago and have been working hard on my job search, even through the holidays. Although I felt hurt by what happened, I think that it was actually a blessing in disguise.

Like many college graduates, I wasn't sure what career I would love to be in. So during the past few years I worked in various corporate jobs, while pursuing creative interests on the side. While I am grateful for all the various learning opportunites that I've experienced in the corporate world, I have to be honest and say that they were "dead-end" jobs.

Being laid off was a wake-up call. I am determined to pursue my passions and staying out of the "underearning-underemployed cycle." For my job search, I decided to embrace my creativity and intuition and venture on the unconventional path. Instead of applying to job ads via a resume and talking to employment agencies, I am spending most of my time networking with people, doing research on the internet, creating a short list of local target companies (none of which have advertised openings in what I am interested in doing. Here's a tip for you all to find companies of interest: take advantage of the Selectory.com free trial and associations' member list), and creating my marketing materials (e.g. mailing labels, career portfolio, packaging). One goal that I had in mind from the beginning was to "show," rather than just "tell."

Skipping to my current situation: I put together my package, which included a personalized cover letter and my career portfolio and mailed it to the president of the top company on my list. The next day I got a call from him! I was ecstactic, of course. My interview is coming up soon. This leads to my first question to you all:

1. Full-time employee or contractor or project-basis?

Could anyone tell me his/her experience with working as a contractor? The PRO's and CON's?

During the past month, I've experienced what it is like to be an entrepreneur, always working because I feared that my resources would drive up soon if I don't keep going. I was driven by both fear and hope. I feel like I'm in charge of my life at last and like the flexibility and freedom, even though my compulsion to work overshadowed my need to rest and play a majority of the time.

I actually have a number of business projects in mind, a website and products to create and promote. Like many of you, I just want to contribute value to the world, without having to worry about paying my bills. I don't want to be underpaid as well.

I am eager to learn about people's experiences of being a contractor or working on a project by project basis. I value some stability, freedom and flexibility, and the unlimited potential to grow (financially and personally).


2. "Manifesting Intentions Without Resistance"

A friend of mine heard my interest in writing, developing, promoting, and training (I can't seem to choose just one!), and suggested that I look into positions in project management. I did a search for it on Salary.com and was dumbfounded. The range listed was much higher than I had anticipated. Quite a leap from where I was.

I feel an inner resistance to aim for something in that salary range. What else did I expect? I've been underemployed!

I do feel that I am worth much more than what I had earned in the past. How does one come up with the "right" or proper figure and break free of this inner barrier of "You can't earn that much! It's way too soon! Maybe in 5-10 years"?

Thank you for everyone's help in advance. Thank you to Steve and Erin for setting up their blogs.

I have to go to an interview now. Talk to you guys later!

[Dwane J.]

Originally Posted by Rapid

Could anyone tell me his/her experience with working as a contractor? The PRO's and CON's?

I spent a couple of years contracting as a software developer

Pros: Pay generally better than a full time employee. If the contract is structured right, you get paid for all hours worked. You are being hired to provide a skill that you enjoy. Generally you are an outsider and don't have to attend mandatory company meetings.

Cons: You pay for all benefits, however if you are working as an Independent consultant there are some tax benefits. Health Insurance costs will be higher. Don't expect to be working a full year. Your time between contracts could be 6 months or longer. Generally you are an outsider and can sometimes by socially isolating. Pay isnt as good as it used to be, thus making a salary+benefits almost equal to a contractors salary.

To be successful you need to treat it as a business. When not working you need to be writing articles, blogging, giving presentations, i.e. marketing your skills. Also, you need to be constantly networking in your off hours to keep your sales pipeline full.

Contracting is self employment and the same as having a job. Except you carry more risk and have to do twice the work.

If you are in-between jobs and need something to make ends meet then by all means go for it.

I wouldn't view contracting as a long term career but a means to an end until you have your own business or find something you enjoy being employed for.