I hope I’ve popped this in the right place and it isn’t classed as “early career advice”, or a dumb question.
I’ve been offered a spot of freelance work on the side.
The job is to set up a site-to-site VPN between two sites, I’ve been given the requirements, one end of the tunnel is done and the other side is using a Meraki Security Appliance.
It sounds a small job at a small site tbh, but I’d budget a few hours just to account for any change control, rollback, documentation, unforeseen complications etc.
You all know how these “small jobs” work out…
I’d like to go contracting - but I’m not actually sure what I’m worth. I don’t want to undersell myself, but I don’t want to take the piss.
In terms of my skill set right now, I’ve got a CCNP R&S, CCNA Security and a lot of experience on other vendors kit (such as Meraki…)
Any idea what I should be charging for this? Per hour? Based in the UK.
Research seems to suggest £300 per day for a reasonably skilled engineer.
I’m a Contractor in London, £300 is a bit low for London depending on experience. Great if you’re getting into Contracting, seems to be the beginning line £300-£350, going up to £400-500 in more specialized Contracting roles with experience and then £500-£750 with big projects to support your experience. So if you’re just beginning out which it sounds like it, don’t be afraid and accidentally undersell yourself.
I’ve never charged hourly rates, only daily rates… I freelanced at an old company I used to be perm and just agreed on a daily rate £300 remote, £350 onsite but that was 2-3 years ago… Not sure if I was any help but just wanted to mention how I approach it, might be of help…
I freelance in the UK outside of London. I’ve been at it about 7 years and have only increased my rates once because it’s a good gig. I charge £40/hr. You may want to bill it on a “project” basis rather than time and materials, and just say “£300 all in” (for example). This way you’re covered if you go over and not selling yourself short.
I’ve been thinking about contracting for a while now. Just wondering how you find your work?
Obviously there are a number of job sites to go through, is this the most common way to find new contracts? or do you register with an agency who finds you work? or do you have a network of connections that offer you roles?
This is definitely not right. 40-50 per hour would be more for regular employment. Hourly rates for professional services typically vary anywhere from $100/hr on the cheap side to $300+/hr on the expensive side.
Have a look here - and try some other job titles that are equivalent and see what you reckon.
Yes, it’s a relatively cheap rate, although decent. £320/day. I’ve been doing it on the side for a number of years. The client is easy going and the work is fun. I could charge more but don’t because of this reason.
As an aside, this rate contracting would net a healthy (for the UK) take home salary per month. But contractors tend not to work for a healthy salary, they tend to do it to maximise profits/pay off their mortgage/retire early, so I know most would go for a higher rate.
I have to be honest - I don’t. I have one good client to do work for on the side of a full time job.
My advice, based on working with and talking to contractor colleagues who’ve done what you’re asking about, is as follows. Build up two months of money to live off just in case, and then take the leap. It’s a leap because most contracts start on a week or two’s notice. In advance, call around and register with as many agencies as possible. Mark yourself as available for contracts on all the good websites and LinkedIn. Be prepared to travel if you’re not already in London, Birmingham or Manchester. Read up thoroughly on IR35. And talk with someone who has actually done it!
From what I’ve seen, contracting is a lifestyle - you (and anyone you have a close relationship to), need to be prepared to live with a degree of uncertainty and a lack of annual leave.
Long term, shoot for security clearance (SC) as it will open up better paying contracts.
Last piece of advice - don’t do it just based on my advice.
Depends entirely on what your current skill set is, and what your target customer is. If its small business, you’ll be on your own. If its enterprise, you’ll probably have to go through a recruiter. But there are exceptions to everything. If you have a very niche skill set, you may be able to sit back and have the work come to you.
I agree, it seems cheap, especially having 7 years experience.
Yes, it’s a relatively cheap rate, although decent enough. £320/day. I’ve been doing it on the side for a number of years. The client is easy going and the work is fun. I could charge more but don’t because of this reason.
Like I said, different economies, different taxation.
We don’t have to worry about healthcare for a start. That salary will generally provide a pretty comfortable lifestyle, nice car, decent place to live and stuff. No point comparing salaries directly, it’s irrelevant. Average uk salary is about 26k iirc
