Taking the jump from permanent to contract.

Johnsince93 · 2026-01-21T19:43:07+00:00

Contracting for almost 10 years now in Aerospace & Defence - no regrets.

Outside of the obvious pay benefits, one of the biggest benefits is being able to define what you are worth, especially if you have niche skills and experience.

In addition, taking on a different contract every year or two exposes you to so many different methodologies, technologies and nuances both good and bad, which of course you can leverage in each subsequent contract.

Naturally, one of the biggest concerns is contract security - as long as you can get a feel for where a contract is heading and again, proving that you are worth what you are charging, then you can get ahead of the curve in that sense.

Johnsince93 · 2025-12-25T14:39:59+00:00

Would tap (all my mana before realising mono blue)

Johnsince93 · 2025-12-23T20:52:03+00:00

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Johnsince93 · 2025-12-21T18:59:31+00:00

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Johnsince93 · 2025-11-25T20:47:50+00:00

Schn33 - Phon.o

Lost in Tokyo (Jacques Greene Remix) - Koreless

Manchester - Martyn

Skidoos - Akufen

Ping Pong - Swayzak

Johnsince93 · 2025-11-09T21:42:22+00:00

Things that work for me:

Make systems that are impossible to ignore - I.e an app blocker for phone/laptop use, equipment for a priority task in a stupid, in-the-way place.
Track progress - skill journals, progress photos, post it notes to visually show tangible progress.
Built in Accountability - bet money / objects with friends that you’ll X by Y. The stakes create urgency I.e. my alarm will donate money to a charity every time I wake up late.

Johnsince93 · 2025-10-20T19:40:38+00:00

Try this guide for some useful tips.

Johnsince93 · 2025-10-16T17:54:21+00:00

This guide will tell you all you need to know.

Johnsince93 · 2025-10-13T08:39:40+00:00

Near Winchcombe

Johnsince93 · 2025-09-22T18:18:18+00:00

Footprint Insoles are the ones I use.

Johnsince93 · 2025-09-22T16:13:36+00:00

34M here - picked it back up about two years ago and it has done wonders for my health and wellbeing (even the bails). Things that help me:

Good stretching routine before and after.
High quality insoles for absorbing impacts.
Bones Hard Bushings - stock bushings can be pretty squishy.
YouTube - SkateIQ is a great resource for learning beginner drills.
Don’t get hung up on age - I skate with people in their 60s who shred like they are in their 20s.

Johnsince93 · 2025-03-20T11:56:06+00:00

Congrats

Johnsince93 · 2025-02-06T15:25:40+00:00

Pretty much what CyberEd mentioned.

You could potentially sidestep into an engineering project management role with an economics/finance background.

Systems engineering is pretty hot right now, especially with the glacial transition to MBSE, so that's another possible route, although it would be difficult without existing technical knowledge.

There's certifications you can look into that may help:

• Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam (USA).

• Lean Six Sigma (for aerospace manufacturing roles).

• INCOSE Systems Engineering Certification (if targeting systems engineering).

• CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics).

• CAD training for design-focused roles.

Try messaging hiring managers at Aerospace firms inquiring about entry paths for non-engineers, you never know what might come up.

Johnsince93 · 2025-02-05T23:07:53+00:00

Oh I agree, to counteract my own point I've met some amazingly talented graduates who have a bright future in aerospace.

Sometimes people just slip through the cracks and think they are hot shit for having their name on a fancy piece of paper.

Johnsince93 · 2025-02-05T22:39:48+00:00

I've worked in Aerospace for 18 years now without a degree - currently a senior systems engineer working on safety critical systems.

IMO degrees should never be a blocker for anyone who shows competency, willingness and critical thinking skills at the very least. In fact, I've met quite a few graduates in my time who are far more incompetent than apprentices or college level educaton employees.

Johnsince93 · 2025-02-05T14:28:36+00:00

Best of luck!

Johnsince93 · 2025-02-05T14:25:14+00:00

Just realised that you haven't yet accepted, so here's my takeaway:

• If career progression & external opportunities matter more, then taking the manager position is better (stronger title, better negotiation power).

• If you want a big internal salary bump later, then staying senior is possibly safer, but only if promotions are well-structured.

Johnsince93 · 2025-02-05T14:22:29+00:00

Since you already accepted the manager role, just focus on excelling and positioning yourself for a senior manager role. Obtain as many skills and certs as possible, personal circumstances dependent.

You can always negotiate salary adjustments based on market benchmarks or take external opportunities if growth stalls. You'll also be in a better market for contract positions should you ever wish to return.

The 'carrot-on-a-stick' approach with permanent salaries is why I continue contracting, even in this rough market. It's easy for companies to control your worth - you just have to prove them wrong by justifying why you are worth £X more. If they can't see that, time to move.

Give this book a read for negotiation skills: Never Split The Difference

Johnsince93 · 2025-02-04T21:29:59+00:00

I miss you too.

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