How to setup a contract position?

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I have been told that I am going to be laid off at the end of the year but the company would like to make me a contractor for a few months. The company has only asked for my rate and my decision.



I was wondering what do I need to do to set up this contract? Do I need to makeup a formal contract or not?



EDIT: I'm located in the United States.







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  • I am located in the United States.
    – JKRockStomper
    Dec 5 '13 at 21:50
















up vote
2
down vote

favorite
1












I have been told that I am going to be laid off at the end of the year but the company would like to make me a contractor for a few months. The company has only asked for my rate and my decision.



I was wondering what do I need to do to set up this contract? Do I need to makeup a formal contract or not?



EDIT: I'm located in the United States.







share|improve this question






















  • I am located in the United States.
    – JKRockStomper
    Dec 5 '13 at 21:50












up vote
2
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
2
down vote

favorite
1






1





I have been told that I am going to be laid off at the end of the year but the company would like to make me a contractor for a few months. The company has only asked for my rate and my decision.



I was wondering what do I need to do to set up this contract? Do I need to makeup a formal contract or not?



EDIT: I'm located in the United States.







share|improve this question














I have been told that I am going to be laid off at the end of the year but the company would like to make me a contractor for a few months. The company has only asked for my rate and my decision.



I was wondering what do I need to do to set up this contract? Do I need to makeup a formal contract or not?



EDIT: I'm located in the United States.









share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Dec 6 '13 at 16:37









CMW

5,79912849




5,79912849










asked Dec 5 '13 at 19:24









JKRockStomper

111




111











  • I am located in the United States.
    – JKRockStomper
    Dec 5 '13 at 21:50
















  • I am located in the United States.
    – JKRockStomper
    Dec 5 '13 at 21:50















I am located in the United States.
– JKRockStomper
Dec 5 '13 at 21:50




I am located in the United States.
– JKRockStomper
Dec 5 '13 at 21:50










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
6
down vote













YES



You need a formal contract. The contract needs to include when and how you'll get paid, recourse for disagreements, and other things I haven't thought of.



There are plenty of resources online that will tell you what needs to be in that contract. You may also want to talk to a lawyer. The best way to save money with a lawyer is to use one before you have problems.



As for the rate, that's something you'll need to figure out. A starting point might be to multiply your existing salary times by 1.25 (see edit below) or so, then break that down into an hourly rate. (You'll need to pay your own health insurance and assume you'll be off contract / looking for work a certain fraction of the year).



Another starting point is to find out what other contractors with roughly your experience are charging in your neighborhood.




[edit]



Per comments from thursdaysgeek and mhoran_psrep, my 1.25 factor is terribly low - you'll want higher. 2.0 was mentioned as a better figure.






share|improve this answer


















  • 4




    Multiply your existing salary by 1.25?! I suppose it depends on location, but in the US, considering the taxes and benefits you'll now be paying yourself, I'm pretty sure that will result in a significant drop in pay. I'd recommend more research than this one question before setting your rate.
    – thursdaysgeek
    Dec 5 '13 at 21:13











  • The goal for many companies is to charge a customer twice the employees pay rate to cover holidays, sick, vacation, taxes, benefits, overhead. Rule of thumb: make 50K a year plan on charging $50 per hour.
    – mhoran_psprep
    Dec 5 '13 at 21:22










  • Should I draw up the contract or should I let the company draw it up?
    – JKRockStomper
    Dec 5 '13 at 22:00










  • @JKRockStomper: Let them draw it up (easier and cheaper to get started), but have your lawyer review it. Submit any changes to them.
    – NotMe
    Dec 5 '13 at 22:13

















up vote
2
down vote













Ask your company if they usually contract through an agency; if so, all you'll have to do is go meet with the agency and sign the contract and the usual hiring paperwork (such as direct deposit and whatnot). You will then be a W-2 Employee of the agency, on contract with your old employer.



If not, they're expecting you to be a 1099 Contractor, or an Independent Contractor. In this case, you'll want to draft up a contract with the company as the others have suggested.






share|improve this answer



























    up vote
    1
    down vote













    YES you need a contract.



    It should include, at minimum:



    1. What your deliverables are.

    2. Where you are expected to work / who provides equipment and software.

    3. Who to invoice / when you will get paid.

    4. Assignment of legal costs to the prevailing party if legal action has to be taken to collect.

    5. Interest rate / fees for late payments.

    6. Start / End date of contract.

    7. Notice period for early termination for both parties.

    8. Who you report to.

    Also, you should figure your rate at about DOUBLE your salary (my opinion). In the U.S., you will now have to pay your own insurance (wait until you see what COBRA costs), additional taxes, and "savings" for the down time expected at the end of your contract. If the contract is 6 months to a year, maybe a little lower.



    See if you can find someone in your field who is contracting in your market, and ask them for advice. They may even have a contract you can use as a starting point.



    You may not need a lawyer, but make sure that everybody's expectations are in writing. Nothing is just "understood" when it comes to contracting.



    Thoroughly document your deliverables as you complete them, and do it on your systems, not theirs, or at least BCC your personal email with them.






    share|improve this answer




















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      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes








      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes








      up vote
      6
      down vote













      YES



      You need a formal contract. The contract needs to include when and how you'll get paid, recourse for disagreements, and other things I haven't thought of.



      There are plenty of resources online that will tell you what needs to be in that contract. You may also want to talk to a lawyer. The best way to save money with a lawyer is to use one before you have problems.



      As for the rate, that's something you'll need to figure out. A starting point might be to multiply your existing salary times by 1.25 (see edit below) or so, then break that down into an hourly rate. (You'll need to pay your own health insurance and assume you'll be off contract / looking for work a certain fraction of the year).



      Another starting point is to find out what other contractors with roughly your experience are charging in your neighborhood.




      [edit]



      Per comments from thursdaysgeek and mhoran_psrep, my 1.25 factor is terribly low - you'll want higher. 2.0 was mentioned as a better figure.






      share|improve this answer


















      • 4




        Multiply your existing salary by 1.25?! I suppose it depends on location, but in the US, considering the taxes and benefits you'll now be paying yourself, I'm pretty sure that will result in a significant drop in pay. I'd recommend more research than this one question before setting your rate.
        – thursdaysgeek
        Dec 5 '13 at 21:13











      • The goal for many companies is to charge a customer twice the employees pay rate to cover holidays, sick, vacation, taxes, benefits, overhead. Rule of thumb: make 50K a year plan on charging $50 per hour.
        – mhoran_psprep
        Dec 5 '13 at 21:22










      • Should I draw up the contract or should I let the company draw it up?
        – JKRockStomper
        Dec 5 '13 at 22:00










      • @JKRockStomper: Let them draw it up (easier and cheaper to get started), but have your lawyer review it. Submit any changes to them.
        – NotMe
        Dec 5 '13 at 22:13














      up vote
      6
      down vote













      YES



      You need a formal contract. The contract needs to include when and how you'll get paid, recourse for disagreements, and other things I haven't thought of.



      There are plenty of resources online that will tell you what needs to be in that contract. You may also want to talk to a lawyer. The best way to save money with a lawyer is to use one before you have problems.



      As for the rate, that's something you'll need to figure out. A starting point might be to multiply your existing salary times by 1.25 (see edit below) or so, then break that down into an hourly rate. (You'll need to pay your own health insurance and assume you'll be off contract / looking for work a certain fraction of the year).



      Another starting point is to find out what other contractors with roughly your experience are charging in your neighborhood.




      [edit]



      Per comments from thursdaysgeek and mhoran_psrep, my 1.25 factor is terribly low - you'll want higher. 2.0 was mentioned as a better figure.






      share|improve this answer


















      • 4




        Multiply your existing salary by 1.25?! I suppose it depends on location, but in the US, considering the taxes and benefits you'll now be paying yourself, I'm pretty sure that will result in a significant drop in pay. I'd recommend more research than this one question before setting your rate.
        – thursdaysgeek
        Dec 5 '13 at 21:13











      • The goal for many companies is to charge a customer twice the employees pay rate to cover holidays, sick, vacation, taxes, benefits, overhead. Rule of thumb: make 50K a year plan on charging $50 per hour.
        – mhoran_psprep
        Dec 5 '13 at 21:22










      • Should I draw up the contract or should I let the company draw it up?
        – JKRockStomper
        Dec 5 '13 at 22:00










      • @JKRockStomper: Let them draw it up (easier and cheaper to get started), but have your lawyer review it. Submit any changes to them.
        – NotMe
        Dec 5 '13 at 22:13












      up vote
      6
      down vote










      up vote
      6
      down vote









      YES



      You need a formal contract. The contract needs to include when and how you'll get paid, recourse for disagreements, and other things I haven't thought of.



      There are plenty of resources online that will tell you what needs to be in that contract. You may also want to talk to a lawyer. The best way to save money with a lawyer is to use one before you have problems.



      As for the rate, that's something you'll need to figure out. A starting point might be to multiply your existing salary times by 1.25 (see edit below) or so, then break that down into an hourly rate. (You'll need to pay your own health insurance and assume you'll be off contract / looking for work a certain fraction of the year).



      Another starting point is to find out what other contractors with roughly your experience are charging in your neighborhood.




      [edit]



      Per comments from thursdaysgeek and mhoran_psrep, my 1.25 factor is terribly low - you'll want higher. 2.0 was mentioned as a better figure.






      share|improve this answer














      YES



      You need a formal contract. The contract needs to include when and how you'll get paid, recourse for disagreements, and other things I haven't thought of.



      There are plenty of resources online that will tell you what needs to be in that contract. You may also want to talk to a lawyer. The best way to save money with a lawyer is to use one before you have problems.



      As for the rate, that's something you'll need to figure out. A starting point might be to multiply your existing salary times by 1.25 (see edit below) or so, then break that down into an hourly rate. (You'll need to pay your own health insurance and assume you'll be off contract / looking for work a certain fraction of the year).



      Another starting point is to find out what other contractors with roughly your experience are charging in your neighborhood.




      [edit]



      Per comments from thursdaysgeek and mhoran_psrep, my 1.25 factor is terribly low - you'll want higher. 2.0 was mentioned as a better figure.







      share|improve this answer














      share|improve this answer



      share|improve this answer








      edited Dec 6 '13 at 19:23









      Elysian Fields♦

      96.9k46292449




      96.9k46292449










      answered Dec 5 '13 at 19:38









      Dan Pichelman

      24.7k116882




      24.7k116882







      • 4




        Multiply your existing salary by 1.25?! I suppose it depends on location, but in the US, considering the taxes and benefits you'll now be paying yourself, I'm pretty sure that will result in a significant drop in pay. I'd recommend more research than this one question before setting your rate.
        – thursdaysgeek
        Dec 5 '13 at 21:13











      • The goal for many companies is to charge a customer twice the employees pay rate to cover holidays, sick, vacation, taxes, benefits, overhead. Rule of thumb: make 50K a year plan on charging $50 per hour.
        – mhoran_psprep
        Dec 5 '13 at 21:22










      • Should I draw up the contract or should I let the company draw it up?
        – JKRockStomper
        Dec 5 '13 at 22:00










      • @JKRockStomper: Let them draw it up (easier and cheaper to get started), but have your lawyer review it. Submit any changes to them.
        – NotMe
        Dec 5 '13 at 22:13












      • 4




        Multiply your existing salary by 1.25?! I suppose it depends on location, but in the US, considering the taxes and benefits you'll now be paying yourself, I'm pretty sure that will result in a significant drop in pay. I'd recommend more research than this one question before setting your rate.
        – thursdaysgeek
        Dec 5 '13 at 21:13











      • The goal for many companies is to charge a customer twice the employees pay rate to cover holidays, sick, vacation, taxes, benefits, overhead. Rule of thumb: make 50K a year plan on charging $50 per hour.
        – mhoran_psprep
        Dec 5 '13 at 21:22










      • Should I draw up the contract or should I let the company draw it up?
        – JKRockStomper
        Dec 5 '13 at 22:00










      • @JKRockStomper: Let them draw it up (easier and cheaper to get started), but have your lawyer review it. Submit any changes to them.
        – NotMe
        Dec 5 '13 at 22:13







      4




      4




      Multiply your existing salary by 1.25?! I suppose it depends on location, but in the US, considering the taxes and benefits you'll now be paying yourself, I'm pretty sure that will result in a significant drop in pay. I'd recommend more research than this one question before setting your rate.
      – thursdaysgeek
      Dec 5 '13 at 21:13





      Multiply your existing salary by 1.25?! I suppose it depends on location, but in the US, considering the taxes and benefits you'll now be paying yourself, I'm pretty sure that will result in a significant drop in pay. I'd recommend more research than this one question before setting your rate.
      – thursdaysgeek
      Dec 5 '13 at 21:13













      The goal for many companies is to charge a customer twice the employees pay rate to cover holidays, sick, vacation, taxes, benefits, overhead. Rule of thumb: make 50K a year plan on charging $50 per hour.
      – mhoran_psprep
      Dec 5 '13 at 21:22




      The goal for many companies is to charge a customer twice the employees pay rate to cover holidays, sick, vacation, taxes, benefits, overhead. Rule of thumb: make 50K a year plan on charging $50 per hour.
      – mhoran_psprep
      Dec 5 '13 at 21:22












      Should I draw up the contract or should I let the company draw it up?
      – JKRockStomper
      Dec 5 '13 at 22:00




      Should I draw up the contract or should I let the company draw it up?
      – JKRockStomper
      Dec 5 '13 at 22:00












      @JKRockStomper: Let them draw it up (easier and cheaper to get started), but have your lawyer review it. Submit any changes to them.
      – NotMe
      Dec 5 '13 at 22:13




      @JKRockStomper: Let them draw it up (easier and cheaper to get started), but have your lawyer review it. Submit any changes to them.
      – NotMe
      Dec 5 '13 at 22:13












      up vote
      2
      down vote













      Ask your company if they usually contract through an agency; if so, all you'll have to do is go meet with the agency and sign the contract and the usual hiring paperwork (such as direct deposit and whatnot). You will then be a W-2 Employee of the agency, on contract with your old employer.



      If not, they're expecting you to be a 1099 Contractor, or an Independent Contractor. In this case, you'll want to draft up a contract with the company as the others have suggested.






      share|improve this answer
























        up vote
        2
        down vote













        Ask your company if they usually contract through an agency; if so, all you'll have to do is go meet with the agency and sign the contract and the usual hiring paperwork (such as direct deposit and whatnot). You will then be a W-2 Employee of the agency, on contract with your old employer.



        If not, they're expecting you to be a 1099 Contractor, or an Independent Contractor. In this case, you'll want to draft up a contract with the company as the others have suggested.






        share|improve this answer






















          up vote
          2
          down vote










          up vote
          2
          down vote









          Ask your company if they usually contract through an agency; if so, all you'll have to do is go meet with the agency and sign the contract and the usual hiring paperwork (such as direct deposit and whatnot). You will then be a W-2 Employee of the agency, on contract with your old employer.



          If not, they're expecting you to be a 1099 Contractor, or an Independent Contractor. In this case, you'll want to draft up a contract with the company as the others have suggested.






          share|improve this answer












          Ask your company if they usually contract through an agency; if so, all you'll have to do is go meet with the agency and sign the contract and the usual hiring paperwork (such as direct deposit and whatnot). You will then be a W-2 Employee of the agency, on contract with your old employer.



          If not, they're expecting you to be a 1099 Contractor, or an Independent Contractor. In this case, you'll want to draft up a contract with the company as the others have suggested.







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered Dec 6 '13 at 19:08









          Yamikuronue

          4,18073348




          4,18073348




















              up vote
              1
              down vote













              YES you need a contract.



              It should include, at minimum:



              1. What your deliverables are.

              2. Where you are expected to work / who provides equipment and software.

              3. Who to invoice / when you will get paid.

              4. Assignment of legal costs to the prevailing party if legal action has to be taken to collect.

              5. Interest rate / fees for late payments.

              6. Start / End date of contract.

              7. Notice period for early termination for both parties.

              8. Who you report to.

              Also, you should figure your rate at about DOUBLE your salary (my opinion). In the U.S., you will now have to pay your own insurance (wait until you see what COBRA costs), additional taxes, and "savings" for the down time expected at the end of your contract. If the contract is 6 months to a year, maybe a little lower.



              See if you can find someone in your field who is contracting in your market, and ask them for advice. They may even have a contract you can use as a starting point.



              You may not need a lawyer, but make sure that everybody's expectations are in writing. Nothing is just "understood" when it comes to contracting.



              Thoroughly document your deliverables as you complete them, and do it on your systems, not theirs, or at least BCC your personal email with them.






              share|improve this answer
























                up vote
                1
                down vote













                YES you need a contract.



                It should include, at minimum:



                1. What your deliverables are.

                2. Where you are expected to work / who provides equipment and software.

                3. Who to invoice / when you will get paid.

                4. Assignment of legal costs to the prevailing party if legal action has to be taken to collect.

                5. Interest rate / fees for late payments.

                6. Start / End date of contract.

                7. Notice period for early termination for both parties.

                8. Who you report to.

                Also, you should figure your rate at about DOUBLE your salary (my opinion). In the U.S., you will now have to pay your own insurance (wait until you see what COBRA costs), additional taxes, and "savings" for the down time expected at the end of your contract. If the contract is 6 months to a year, maybe a little lower.



                See if you can find someone in your field who is contracting in your market, and ask them for advice. They may even have a contract you can use as a starting point.



                You may not need a lawyer, but make sure that everybody's expectations are in writing. Nothing is just "understood" when it comes to contracting.



                Thoroughly document your deliverables as you complete them, and do it on your systems, not theirs, or at least BCC your personal email with them.






                share|improve this answer






















                  up vote
                  1
                  down vote










                  up vote
                  1
                  down vote









                  YES you need a contract.



                  It should include, at minimum:



                  1. What your deliverables are.

                  2. Where you are expected to work / who provides equipment and software.

                  3. Who to invoice / when you will get paid.

                  4. Assignment of legal costs to the prevailing party if legal action has to be taken to collect.

                  5. Interest rate / fees for late payments.

                  6. Start / End date of contract.

                  7. Notice period for early termination for both parties.

                  8. Who you report to.

                  Also, you should figure your rate at about DOUBLE your salary (my opinion). In the U.S., you will now have to pay your own insurance (wait until you see what COBRA costs), additional taxes, and "savings" for the down time expected at the end of your contract. If the contract is 6 months to a year, maybe a little lower.



                  See if you can find someone in your field who is contracting in your market, and ask them for advice. They may even have a contract you can use as a starting point.



                  You may not need a lawyer, but make sure that everybody's expectations are in writing. Nothing is just "understood" when it comes to contracting.



                  Thoroughly document your deliverables as you complete them, and do it on your systems, not theirs, or at least BCC your personal email with them.






                  share|improve this answer












                  YES you need a contract.



                  It should include, at minimum:



                  1. What your deliverables are.

                  2. Where you are expected to work / who provides equipment and software.

                  3. Who to invoice / when you will get paid.

                  4. Assignment of legal costs to the prevailing party if legal action has to be taken to collect.

                  5. Interest rate / fees for late payments.

                  6. Start / End date of contract.

                  7. Notice period for early termination for both parties.

                  8. Who you report to.

                  Also, you should figure your rate at about DOUBLE your salary (my opinion). In the U.S., you will now have to pay your own insurance (wait until you see what COBRA costs), additional taxes, and "savings" for the down time expected at the end of your contract. If the contract is 6 months to a year, maybe a little lower.



                  See if you can find someone in your field who is contracting in your market, and ask them for advice. They may even have a contract you can use as a starting point.



                  You may not need a lawyer, but make sure that everybody's expectations are in writing. Nothing is just "understood" when it comes to contracting.



                  Thoroughly document your deliverables as you complete them, and do it on your systems, not theirs, or at least BCC your personal email with them.







                  share|improve this answer












                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer










                  answered Dec 6 '13 at 4:23









                  Wesley Long

                  45k15100161




                  45k15100161






















                       

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