I'm a current FTE SDE at T-mobile with almost 10 years of full-time coding experience at various places. I've been offered a contract SDE position at Microsoft with lower compensation (slightly lower base, no bonus, no equity) but what sounds like more interesting work on Bing maps. I've been told the contract should be 12 to 18 months. Can anyone provide me with context on making this decision? I'm interested in things like the reputation of the team, if it could be possible to transition to full time, and if the contract could be cut short.
probably getting laid off after Sprint/Tmobile merger
Are you a US citizen? Since contract jobs can be more easily terminated over FTE. Also they might not be extended beyond the specified time frame. So do you have backup in case?
I'm a citizen. But it sounds like MS has a hard limit of 18 I need to contend with.
Are you aware that you have to take a forced 6-month break after 18 months of contracting at Microsoft? That’s why a lot of contracts max out at 18 months. After 18 months, you’ll have to find a contract outside of Microsoft (if you need to work) or take a break from work before you can go back to Microsoft. It’s a pain in the ass. Been there, done that.
Do I have a shot at going FTE instead of running the contract out and getting the boot?
If the team happens to have any FTE openings and you’re good at what you do, sure. I wouldn’t count on it, though. Are there any positions posted on Microsoft’s Career site that interest you? Why not apply for some FTE openings?
sounds like 20 to 30% drop in pay for more interesting work. I would keep interviewing.
If they think you're good enough to hire as a contractor, then maybe they would consider hiring you as FTE. Does anyone know how to wrestle a FTE interview or offer out of a contract offer?
No, you can’t wrestle anything out of a contract offer. Positions are budgeted as either contract or FTE.
I will not recommend contracting, try for FTE or join a company that offers FTE.
Contracting isn’t bad if you’re sunsetting your career. You don’t have to deal with politics—you just do your job and go home. And contracting lets you work on different teams, at different companies, and on different projects—lots of variety. I’ve done both. There are pros and cons associated with each.
I also worked as contractor for 5 years and will do in future if i dont have any choice. For the 5 years i worked as contractor i atleast got 150k less pay overall since i dont have any benefits
Don’t take a pay cut to do contract. There is no growth in a contract assignment.
Do you at least get basic benefits like healthy insurance?
Microsoft does not offer benefits to contractors. But agencies offer benefits...for a price.
I am a contractor pm at T-Mobile right now. I’m in NP5 in Factoria. I was a Microsoft FTE for 12 years and also contracted there. First of all, make sure your coding skills are up to par with Microsoft. I happen to think T-Mobile is far behind it is ridiculous. Too much red tape to get things done. Agile and DevOps are a foreign language there etc. The thing about being a V- at Microsoft AKA dash trash is regardless of how good you are you are still considered dash trash. Microsoft is better for you long term but do so as an FTE. By the way, what kind of jacked up color is Magenta? Get out before he merger as that is going to be a major back stabbing headache.
Sr at Tmobile pay is the same band as L59 to L61. Why not go FTE at Microsoft? Benefits are better at Microsoft compared to Tmobile.
I'd love to, but the offer I have right now is for contract. That's why I'm hesitating.