Work and stuff

So it's been a number of months since being made redundant and I'm trying to set myself to do contracting for large companies. Using skills with web development in Java, PHP and front end stuff I'm hoping to bring in the beans.

While my CV seems to be bringing in plenty of interest, I've had a few interviews, I've not yet nailed down a firm contract. There is plenty of work out there it seems but trying to convince the interviewers I'm the guys they want is proving hard.

I'm not sure if it's just relative lack of experience compared to others or if I'm selling myself short in face-to-face meetings. I'm getting interviews so I guess recruiters must feel I have something to offer them.

In the mean time I've been trying to do some web sites for smaller companies, there are so many people out there doing that at prices that they can't possibly be living off (at least not if paying taxes) that it is very hard to explain what someone gets by hiring me with over 10 years web development experience vs someone fresh out of college/university.

The potential clients don't know what they are missing and unfortunately nor do a lot of the cheap guys realise where their products need improving.

In other, completely unrelated news, our washing machine has died again. Perfect timing as we start the new university year and have lots of Judo kits to wash!

The battle with weight loss is still ongoing. Holding steady around 92Kg at the moment. I could do with losing another 4Kg or so, but no doubt the marathon training will help.

That's right, since deferring my entry to the London marathon this year because of injury I am hoping to get it done in 2013. Follow my progress at bensmarathon.com or follow my marathon account on Twitter.

Fuming right now

Things are a changing.
As I posted previously, I'm losing my job through redundancy. That comes to an end in about a week now so the monthly cheque stops.

We're considering selling the flat and moving into a rented place. It's dead money, but it does mean we can move fast if/when we find a house we'd like to buy.

To top off the stress and uncertainty of the moment, someone has broken into my car again so now I'm going to lose out in having to replace it. That's right you thieving little oiks it does cost me, the person who actually did some honest work in order to have things. Try it one day.

I didn't see the guy, but it's probably a good idea I didn't. After the last time my car was broken into I wasn't sure how I would react, this time I am pretty sure I would have gone to confront him and probably damaged him.