Even IT contractors connect with 'New Year, New Job.' But…

It’s that time of year again.

The New Year means a new start, or at least it feels as if a new professional start could be made in the first of these 12 new months.

And that goes for IT contractors too, for whom even just the lure of a new opportunity in the New Year can feel like a fresh beginning, writes Pendy Hou, senior delivery leader at First Point Group, a recruitment agency with 11 offices specialising in Telecommunications, Data Centre and Technology.

‘Remove LinkedIn's Open To Work,’ plus other New Year job search tips doing the rounds

But this January, the job application advice amid the IT contractor jobs market being less-than-stellar is a bit unconventional, ranging here from “Remove your Open To Work label” on LinkedIn to “Stop applying for jobs that are advertised.” 

There are New Year tips being issued for pricing strategies too, including the pricing of skills, per hour or per day. They range here from “Be the most expensive in the room” to “Don’t work for free…except [if] beta testing”.  

For IT contractors, all the New Year noise comes down to one key question…

Us recruitment agencies are on the receiving end of New Year resolutions-type work advice as well. It ranges here from “[Remember] over 90% [of prospective clients who agree to meetings] come from the fourth touchpoint onwards to “Approach less than 100 people in a dedicated campaign, and your success rate is triple that of people who approach 500 [people].”

If your head is spinning don’t worry! To make it simple, I’m going to boil it all down to a simple question if you’re an IT contractor feeling professionally reflective this New Year.

And that one question is – “Should you stay or should you go?” Put another way, should you retain your contract role or look for a fresh freelance opportunity?

Stay or Go in Jan 2025? Top three job considerations for itchy feet IT contractors

Here are three key things to consider revolving around ‘the now’ versus ‘the future,’ and should help you answer the ‘stay or go question.’

1. Money matters. But if/you ain’t broke…

Are you being remunerated sufficiently? In other words, are you earning enough in your current tech role?

It's key to keep in mind that, despite this time of year seeing more than the usual amount of higher pay promises, the grass isn't always greener on the other side. A new role might not necessarily mean higher remuneration.

You should first crunch the numbers, including minutia like allowable expenses, and tot up the impact of any April 6th tax changes you’ll suffer on that headline rate.

2. Project lifetime: All that glitters may not be gold

Could the existing project continue beyond the current finish date?

It's easy to get attracted to the ‘shiny’ new year tech projects that grace the market in January.

But do remember that your current project could potentially be extended, possibly leading to exciting follow-on projects.

Project lifetime is especially worth considering if you’re at an enviable tech ‘brand’ or end-client worth having on your CV for more than just the standard 3-month stint.

3. IR35 status: Outside or Inside?

Are there tech opportunities currently in the temporary labour market ‘better’ than the one you’re currently giving your time to? Evaluate the market thoroughly, including the IR35 status of roles you’d like and could execute. All the while keep in mind, a bird in hand can be worth two in the bush!

Four New Year job questions to look at properly answering before leaping

Further related to trying to answer ‘Should I stay or should I go?’ we recommend that you ask yourself four fundamental questions.

This quartet is a quick way to assess your MOTIVATIONS versus the actual ROLE you’re eyeing.

1. Will the new role provide the motivation you’re seeking?

Increasingly for IT contractors, it's not just about the headline rate or the take-home, but the motivation, the flexibility, and the overall satisfaction that come with the pay.

2. Do you genuinely like your current gig?

If you enjoy the day-to-day of your current role and find it fruitful, it might be worth staying on.

3. Would the new tech job help you achieve your longer-term goals?

Look at the bigger picture. If the new opportunity can bring you closer to achieving your long-term goals, professionally or even personally, then it might be something you ought to consider.

4. Is this New Year job offer better for you in only the short term, not the long term?

Weigh the pros and cons as impartially and strategically as possible.

A quick decision could very well lead to regret later, especially if it’s just the rate you’re being made to look at!

Ready to accept a shiny new IT contractor job offer? Hold your horses

Self-evaluation is key to ensure that you make the right decision in answer to ‘Stay or Go?’, not just this New Year but throughout 2025 -- and not just on temporary or freelance assignments either!

If you crave some sensible career guidance, remember, that it's not just about finding a new better-paying role; it's about laying the foundation for a fruitful, enjoyable, and financially rewarding career.

Penultimately, a word of caution.

Aside from the predictable flurry of New Year ‘rate rise’ promises, the term “better prospects” is being bandied about. It almost goes without saying, but ‘better prospects’ means different things to different people. And contractors in tech, telecoms, digital, data or AI might not need to prioritise ‘prospects’ in the traditional, career hierarchy or promotion-related sense that some agents, adverts and online job posts speak of.

TL; DR: New Year doesn’t need to mean ‘New Job’ to signify a ‘New You’

My advice to IT contractors is this --  reflect on your current assignment and situation, so you can evaluate your options wisely before taking any leap in January 2025. At the moment, I’d recommend that if you are currently being renumerated well, and working on a project where you’re learning, and could potentially be extended, then I’d strongly consider staying on -- rather than jumping to a new opportunity just because it's New Year.