Is contract work better than being an employee?

[shannon]

Of the people who only do contract and no longer work as an employee, is it better? Are you kept relatively busy, as in plenty of work.

I've talked to a few guys now who seem to greatly prefer it and they seem to have more financial security than full time employees. Is this the norm? Would you recommend it?

[umair zahid]

Well, If you have license and also have ACA then yes its better to work as Contractor. Be your Own Boss.
In General, I have found both works almost the same depending on personal effort to make money.

[brownbear]

Here's how I view it.
Everything depends on where you are in your career. Contracting is more for guys who have experience and don't want to learn more or climb a ladder within an organization.

Contractors earn a bit more money, and can write off taxes with home expenses such as telephone and hydro, even space in the garage for tool storage. Lots of pros in tax reductions.

Contractors generally will never be given a course by a company, nor an ACA. They will also not climb a ladder in the organization to become crew chiefs or lead hands. They are generally considered the low end of labour pool at company.

As far as security, there is none. You can be tossed easily. Any dispute, you're out. And the employer has no reasons to show progressive discipline or give you notice letters. If you are dependent on your salary to pay bills and feed the family solely, I would not recommend contracting.

Some of the older AME's or ones with wives who work can float through the contracting thing quite easily and make a good buck more than working at a company. And if they can't find work for a month they don't sweat it. But if you live pay cheque to pay cheque I suggest against it.

I still like to learn and grow, so being always low guy on the floor doesn't work for me.

But it sure is nice having tax breaks.

[SeptRepair]

Contracting is not for the faint of heart. Brownbear has many valid points. Pay attention to the part about being disposable. If you do decide to be a contractor make dam sure you have at least 10 years as an ACA and not be some fuckin 20 something who thinks they are gods gift to aviation and feel they should get paid like a high time guy. Dont spend more than 5 years at any one company and make dam sure you increase your rates yearly.

[Grease Nipple]

Contracting has gone downhill. 10 years ago contractors were paid almost double there full time counterparts, now the pay is almost the same. Contractors are now cheaper than fulltime employees if you add the cost of benifits to fulltime wages. Also contractors have no income inbetween jobs and no UIC. Until contractors stop selling their time so cheap fulltime is the way to go.

[brownbear]

Grease Nipple,
I think mostly that has to do with 10 years ago very seldom would a company every hire a contractor, so only the high time experienced guys could find work in that way. Along came an AME shortage and more companies turned to contractors to keep the hangar staffed. Only problem came when every body and their dog started contracting. Drove the skill set right down. SO really we are back to no shortage again, and no need for contractors in the same way 2-3 years ago.

If benefits and steady salary are things you desire, don't bother contracting.

Also if you live outside a major area contracting is extremely difficult. No company likes paying extra travel costs, when another contractor is right there.

Companies have no loyalty to contractors.

[dashx]

Companies have no loyalty to contractors.

It's who you know. I see the same composite/sheet metal techs and AMEs coming back when there is work. And there is always work for that small circle of friends/associates.

[chowda]

Companies have no loyalty to contractors.

You're implying they are loyal to their employees??? No shortage anymore??

Whatever man, happy glue sniffing.

[planemikey]

In Aviation , where the only constant is change, it can be good to be a contractor when the industry is going full tilt and not when it is in a down turn like now. It does not allways work for eeryone or should I say their wifes! Trael and hotels can sound fun but get old REAL fast !!

The Runway is not allways cleaner on the other side and usually has more fod on it!

Contracting works only if it works for your family which allways comes first . It also helps if you have a thick skin and stay out of the hangar politics . Whcih there is allways is more than you need ."Those *#$^%#^%# contractors is often heard!
And you can get blamed for things on purpose allthough not often.


Look at having the folloing also .

M1/ m2 License
Minimum 10 years licensed experience
Endorsements on type
Good references ( not your buddy or mother )
another type of work to fall back on or business you can drop in a minute OR
Being Semi retired helps
excellent work habits
no personal ....eh em.... consumption problems
60 - 70 hour work weeks are usually the norm
less than ideal accomodations and conditions some times
don't be a bridge burner
Don't have a bad temper, get into confrontations and be undiplomatic
Have fun in what you are doing with a sense of humor

[bombardierfixer]

I miss contracting. I went permi again cause we decided to add to the world population problem. I liked the independence, its true you're not going to do your career any favors but to stay out of the floor politics has its definite merits. The Tax write-offs are nice but the rate needs to be jacked up. If you think $35 and no or little per dium is good...STAY OUT! Your just cutting the other guys throats and killing the connie lifestyle. As the rate stands right now with wage+bennies+profit share I'm making about the same with that 35hr rate. If your serious about going on the road, find the connies in your hanger and buddy up with them, cause its all who you know.

[planemikey]

Contracting has gone downhill. 10 years ago contractors were paid almost double there full time counterparts, now the pay is almost the same. Contractors are now cheaper than fulltime employees if you add the cost of benifits to fulltime wages. Also contractors have no income inbetween jobs and no UIC. Until contractors stop selling their time so cheap fulltime is the way to go.[quote][/quote]

Yes I've heard of structures contractors in Vancouver getting 30 Hr direct when they were getting 35 + wcb and ins as well with an agency before .........go figure . But when times are tough and you have to pay the mortgage bridges are burnt , freindships lost and knives are drawn .....probably happens with other industries and businesses as well though . Supply and demand .

[palebird]

Contracting...tell me ..is it better to be a "bonafide, genuine employee" and get stepped on or are you able to stand on your own two feet.. whatever, there are a lot of employees and, also, contractors who are not worth two cents right now in this industry. That is the way it goes, whatever suits you..Contracting is relatively new in Canada but is long established in europe and elsewhere..people here should get over it and get on with it..

[123dash]

If you don't rely on a regular paycheck then go for it