Employee vs Contractor opportunities?

[Cabal]

Hey everyone,

Happy New Year to you all! Hope 2012 works out better than expected. I have a bit of a theoretical question and this is the best place I could think to post it.

How many non-governmental investigative jobs are there (ie full-time investigator for PI agency) in comparison to contractor 'on call as required' arrangements?

From my (admittedly half-arsed) research, most 'jobs' fall in the contractor category.

The reason I ask is that I am (not completely seriously) considering leaving NZ and would, naturally, be looking for work. Licencing wouldn't/shouldn't be too much of an issue as there is the possibility of mutual recognition although I have yet to explore that fully.

Clearly, in this scenario, working as a contractor doesn't really work.

Your thoughts?

PS, in case you are wondering why I would be considering this change, some of you may be aware the Christchurch earthquake in Feb 2011 severely affected me personally and business-wise. Business has slowly crept back to almost pre-Feb 2011 levels but the reality is that things are going to be pretty much the same for the next 5+ years as the rebuild starts. It might just be the right time to look elsewhere for opportunities.

[David]

Hi Paul,

Unfortunately I have nothing useful to contribute as, for my own circumstances, I am contracting and not (at this time) seeking a full-time role so I have not explored it.

However, I did want to write to say that I am sorry to learn of how the Christchurch earthquakes have affected you. I have enjoyed your forum postings in the past as well as your interesting and witty blog tales. I wish you the best and hope some others have useful information for you.

[Cabal]

Hi David,

Appreciate the comment.

It's not quite all doom and gloom here and I have a couple of ambitious projects for 2012, but sometimes it's worth testing the waters and see what's out there. You know, just in case...

Cheers!

[Nutbrownmouse]

Hi Paul,
 Just my two bob here. I have been working as a contractor (surveillance) here in Perth for a year now with G4S. I have been lucky to have all the work I have wanted and had to knock back work when I was too busy. (working 25- 60 a week) I am a mum with two kids so this works for me.
Good luck
Belinda

[Cabal]

Hi Belinda,

Yes, while I understand working as a contractor has its benefits (after all, I am currently working as a subcontractor to several agencies here) the downside is having to set up as a business again and actively look for work which may, or may not, come rolling in.

Not exactly an assurance if you are moving from one country to another.

Hence my query regarding actual employment opportunities rather than contracts.

As I said, this is all highly theoretical. I've got a number of projects I'm working on this year, including expansion of services to other cities here - well, I've already done this, now I just need to market this effectively - it would be nice to consider other opportunities elsewhere as well.

The other option is possibly to set up an Australian 'branch' of Cabal and, if able to obtain sufficient workload at reasonable rates, fly over for 3 weeks at a time. However, the contractor rates that I have seen discussed don't really make this seem all that plausible, but you never know...

[BigGeorge]

Hi Paul

Like David, I am always interested in your wisdom and wit on your, er.... that person's blog.

And I can appreciate the difficulties you all face over in Christchurch. Terrible time.

When I look back to 1975 (OK, stop the laughter!) when I started, through until today (although retired, I keep my finger on the pulse) I can say that employment in the PI sphere is as common as hen's teeth. In fact I can't remember the last time I knew someone in that arrangement.

Contracting is not a bad thing. Many advantages. I did it for 30+ years and when you think about it, it's really the same as any business or company running its business - no guarantees, lots of opportunities, lots of hard work (doing the work and finding the customers).

As for your move to Oz from NZ, I strongly discourage you! People of your caliber are uncommon and you'll take away the work of lots of PIs over here. So please, don't be unkind!

 

BG