If you're already contracting then you've made up your mind. If not, it's a decision which warrants careful consideration. Interim, freelance and contract resource is defined as the expertise provided to organisations for a predetermined period of time, on an agreed rate of pay and on the basis best suited to that organisation's requirements. This could be as either a limited company employee or umbrella company employee.

Contractors will undoubtedly earn a higher hourly income than their permanent counterparts, but like any decision, this one shouldn't be based purely upon financial criteria. Other advantages can include independence, freedom, individual flexibility and the autonomy of being your own boss, the constant challenge of new environments, the diversity of technically demanding solutions and projects, the lack of political involvement.

Sounds great, but as with everything there are downsides. Your training and development, holidays, car and benefits are all your own responsibility and your own cost. You may feel excluded from the office 'in crowd' and flexibility may mean you have to live away from home for periods of time and work at an unsociable hour.

Certainly food for serious thought!