Time is going by so fast – this is our third issue of this version of our newsletter already! As there was a gap of a couple of years between this version and the previous, we had to prune our mailing list drastically because of out-of-date email addresses. If you know anyone who may have signed up previously but changed email, then please suggest that they re-subscribe as indicated below.
Although I have spent most of my I.T. career in permanent jobs, I loved the adventure of working for many different companies when I was a salaried consultant for a consultancy company in the UK. Later, I became totally freelance in the UK and in Trinidad. So, this month I thought I would share the benefits of consulting as a way of life.
Contract vs. Permanent
Have you ever thought of being your own boss, walking away from the security of your permanent job to manage your career as you wish? Imagine life without office politics, no waiting in line for a promotion, and not having to work on jobs you dislike!
For many I.T. professionals, this is a reality. The trend here in T&T is increasingly for companies to bring in consultants for high-cost specialist work such as Database Administration and Network Installation. Software development projects usually require expertise that is needed only for the life of the project. Companies may outsource to I.T. service companies, who in turn hire consultants to carry out the work.
There is great potential for skilled people willing to “chance it” out there. The lack of job security (what job is secure these days anyway) is not for everyone. You need to have a good business sense so that you can estimate and price work effectively. You have to keep your skills up to date by investing in training. You have to keep accounts, invoice and collect payments, and manage your taxes, though these functions can be outsourced elsewhere too. You need to be prepared to market your services to get the work. Signing up with agencies like CRS will help your chances here! You need to have a professional attitude, i.e., you do not walk out of a contract, leaving your client in the lurch, for a better opportunity elsewhere. The market is too small for a bad reputation to remain hidden.
If you are interested in reading more about how the demand for Contractors/Consultants is developing in Trinidad, click on www.crsitjobs.com/contracting.htm.
I would love to hear your views, pro and con, for contracting as a way of life. My own experience as an I.T. Consultant has convinced me that the freedom of being my own boss is the way for me!
Tell Us What You Think
Letters to the Editor
Working in the Caribbean
About the ‘so called’ Certificate of Recognition of Caribbean Community Skills Qualifications, I would suggest that your readers not get too excited.
I applied last year (December 2003) for a Certificate in Trinidad & Tobago, and as of today (September 2004) I am still waiting to hear from the committee.
On two separate occasions, I have provided them with additional documentation (extensive employment history, detailed resume etc) and still no word. The High Commission (in Canada) has been helpful, but their aide is limited to suggestions as to who to contact (which usually only results in an expensive telephone bill as the contact usually have no useful knowledge of the process much less your application).
Good luck to anyone who actually expects a response in six weeks …… CA
I hope this is not a typical scenario. Has anyone else had similar or different experiences? ……….. Ed.
We would love to hear what you think of this issue of CRS News. And of course, if you have any suggestions for upcoming issues that you would like to share with us, please send those, too!