Should I go for a contract position if I already have a permanent position?

Question

I graduated from college in 2002 with a BS in Computer Information Systems. Till this day, I have yet to find a position directly in my field of Computer Information Systems/IT. Currently I am employed for a big company but working in a position that is not directly in my field and with low pay and no room for advancement. I recently interviewed for a position with an IT consulting firm that has a potential opening for me in my local area. Would it be a good idea to leave my current permanent position and just "give it a go" with this contract position. Any advice?

Answer 1

There are a lot of factors to take into consideration.
I left a full time job (no job is permanent, sorry, I'm in HR and that's been drilled into my head) at a non-profit for a one-year contract back in the corporate world with a rapidly growing company. I get to work from home, and the pay is double what I was making before. The only downside is I am responsible for my own taxes and insurance.
Now it looks like the contract may go longer than a year. I'm having a great experience, and earning great money. I've not had a job up to now last longer than a year, which is sort of funny since this is a contract job that's looking like it will have longer tenure.
The workforce is too rapidly changing and unstable these days to expect a full time job to be any more secure than a contract. If the pay is good and it's in your area of interest--I say go for it!
Good luck!

Answer 2

If you got the goods and confidence, go for it. Otherwise shoot for mediocre.