mumoffour Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 We've finally had the contract through for OH to sign and now we have concrete figures I'm feeling more reassured though hubby is worried because he's never been a contractor before. He's panicking about the lack of job security mainly and because a day off will 'cost' him so much, will he ever actually enjoy the new lifestyle at all? On the positives: our house sale is slowly but surely moving along, the eldest 2 kids are excited looking at their new schools website and I'm loving the 'property porn' parade of houses on realestate.com. Can't believe we may actually get to book some flights soon....if.......hubby can be re-assured about life as a contractor - are there any out there in PIO land who can reassure him (and me!) slightly. I'll also be happy to read the negatives as all info is welcome info. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhampa Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 what do you mean sign a contract to be a contractor ? normally a contractor has his own business and wouldn't sign an employment contract wouldn't they ? I love being a contractor personally, yes you dont get paid on days off, but usually you can earn more money, work hard get through a high volume of work etc... no boss watching you clock off at 5pm ... what is his trade ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumoffour Posted May 24, 2012 Author Share Posted May 24, 2012 The company (large multinational) are not employing any new permanent people and so all new heads are being bought in on fixed term contracts. He is an engineer and his contract (1 days notice from either party) will be for 1 year. The project he's being bought in to co-ordinate is scheduled to last 3 years aprox and then we'll just have to see.....you do get a higher rtae of pay to compensate for the insecurity but there is always a slight worry that you sell up and relocate the family of 6 across the world just to be told "well actually we don't need you after next week (or tomorrow?!) Eeek! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhampa Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 ok I see.. well personally I would still take the risk and give it a go... foot in the door .... perhaps soon as you get there start looking for something more secure... they will only fire him if they have to, so the odds are that it will give you enough time to find alternatives. If you dont go and never make it to Australia, I know for sure you will always have a doubt about what would have happened. Take the risk, but like I said, once there it will be easier to find other opportunities.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lara24 Posted May 24, 2012 Share Posted May 24, 2012 I used to be a day-rater and as long as you live your life accordingly it is easy to loose that uneasy feeling. My advice would be work out how many days holidays your husband wants a year and pro-rata the amount of money he will loose and set that amount away every month. I have seen contractors refuse to loose a days pay by taking time off and it rarely ends well. Also work out how much extra he is being paid and save that every month so you always have a back up fund should he get that "1 days notice". Finally I always liked to have private health insurance so that should I need an op or treatment I could have it quickly and not take too much time off. This was in the UK so not sure of the waiting lists etc in Oz. Try and relax it really is a very common way to be employed these days. Good luck with the move...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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