Your first contract. What you need to know.
Moving from permanent employment to contracting is one of the biggest career decisions in technology. The rates are higher, the flexibility is real but so are the responsibilities. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare.
Key advice
Contract rates are higher but you’re responsible for tax, insurance, pension, and gaps between contracts. Model your net income before you commit, not after.
If you’re UK-based, IR35 determines your tax status. Understand inside vs outside determination. Get specialist advice and don’t guess.
Don’t undercharge to win your first contract. Use our CAHG salary data to benchmark against the market. Your ecosystem, certifications and experience level all factor in.
Frequently asked questions
What's the typical first contract rate?
Varies hugely by ecosystem, seniority and region. Our Careers and Hiring Guides give you ecosystem-specific rate data. Download them before setting your rate.
Should I use an umbrella company or PSC?
Depends on IR35 status, contract volume and personal circumstances. Most first-time contractors start with an umbrella for simplicity, then consider a PSC (Personal Service Company) as volume increases.
How long do contracts typically last?
At Tenth Revolution Group, we support contractors beyond job placement.
Our Consultant Assignment Process (CAP)
A structured framework to support you before, during and after every assignment.
To help you succeed as a contractor, we use a structured approach called our Consultant Assignment Process (CAP).
CAP is designed to give you clarity, support, and consistency throughout your entire assignment lifecycle, ensuring you are set up to deliver from day one and leave every project in a stronger position.
Consultant Assignment Process
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CAP is not an admin process. It is a framework designed to help you perform at your best.
It gives you:
- Clear expectations from the start
- Ongoing support throughout delivery
- A structured way to demonstrate impact
- Stronger positioning for future opportunities
We provide insight into market rates, contract lengths, demand trends and platform-specific opportunities across AWS, Azure, Salesforce, SAP, ServiceNow and more. We also guide first-time contractors through onboarding processes, compliance expectations and client engagement standards.
Crucially, we help you succeed throughout the full assignment lifecycle.
From project kick-off and deliverable planning to regular check-ins, performance feedback and end-of-project reviews, we ensure you are positioned to deliver impact and build long-term client relationships.
Get in touch today to speak to one of our experts
Technology and AI is moving fast, but technology alone doesn’t create the impact that matters. People do.
Visit our contact page
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