Is This Something You Want?

In my conversations with IT contractors over the years it appears there are mixed feelings about the word "care".... some love it as it takes the worry out of having to do it all.

A few contractors may say that they feel a slight overwhelm but most find that they just do not have the time to cover everything in their ten hour working day. They find they are so pushed to protect and secure their income.. to keep up with certifications, skills, and current trends that they do not have any time left stacked on top of that to worry about things like marketing themselves. They readily admit that not only is it not their forte but its not where their passion lies, and so are more than happy to have someone who can deliver the right level of care share their marketing burden.

Then there are others who feel not taking care of everything in their business is akin to showing some kind of weakness (not to others but to themselves). They say thats why they went contracting in the first place, to take charge, to break free, to escape, to get out from under the protection of the corporate umbrella.. and decided they could take on all the additional work load of running their business, including marketing themselves effectively, if that's what it took... Interestingly but not unexpectedly their version of an ideal agent was simply one that gets them a good job, a good rate and for the rest stays right out of their hair.

So it comes down to personal preference. I have my own idea on what works best and what is most effective but thats not the point... Bottom line is how is it working for you? Are you getting the work? Are you accessing the right projects that are "progressive", are "latest trend", "state-of-that-art", "keeping you current"? Are you selling yourself effectively and enjoying your time off between contracts? OR are you at risk? In danger of being caught in some small, dark, obscure backwater technology using a methodology and techniques that died somewhere in yesteryear while you find yourself sitting next to the phone for longer and longer periods as you watch your savings being eaten... that may now not be sufficient to last the current dry spell and cover the recent increase in home loan rate? Doesn't matter how.. just as long as it works... thats the bottom line.. is that right?

So how important is "contractor care" and what does it mean to you?