{"id":26892,"date":"2026-10-15T12:17:26","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T11:17:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/blog\/?p=26892"},"modified":"2026-10-16T09:46:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T08:46:57","slug":"how-to-become-an-it-contractor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-become-an-it-contractor","title":{"rendered":"How to become an IT contractor\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Blog-How-to-become-an-IT-contractor-shutterstock-edit.png\" alt=\"An IT professional researches how to become an IT contractor\" class=\"wp-image-26888\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:300px;height:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Blog-How-to-become-an-IT-contractor-shutterstock-edit.png 600w, https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Blog-How-to-become-an-IT-contractor-shutterstock-edit-300x150.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In this guide:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#is-IT-contracting-right-for-you\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#is-IT-contracting-right-for-you\">Is IT contracting right for you?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#what-does-an-IT-contractor-do\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#what-does-an-IT-contractor-do\">What does an IT contractor do?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#how-to-become-IT-contractor\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#how-to-become-IT-contractor\">How to become an IT contractor<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#realities-IT-contracting\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#realities-IT-contracting\">Managing the realities of IT contracting<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#getting-right-insurance\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#getting-right-insurance\">Getting the right insurance<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many, being an IT contractor is the dream when it comes to working.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But making the leap from working for someone to working for yourself can be scary. All of a sudden, everything\u2019s on your shoulders.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re moving from a permanent IT role or considering your next career move, this guide takes you through the pros and cons of IT contracting.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ll also include a step-by-step guide to help you set up your business and get started.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"is-IT-contracting-right-for-you\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is IT contracting right for you?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you get into the nitty-gritty of starting your business, you need to make sure contracting is right for you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because there\u2019s lots of benefits to being an IT contractor. You\u2019re your own boss. You get to decide what clients you work with, what projects you take on, and how much work you go for.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You also get a key thing that a lot of jobs don\u2019t have: variety. As an IT contractor, you can work across a huge range of industries.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s a job that suits experienced professionals with lots of in-demand skills. Things like cybersecurity, data engineering, and AI development will give you a higher chance of landing clients.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You need to be adaptable enough to pick up a client\u2019s processes and systems quickly and to deliver measurable results without much training or supervision.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being able to communicate clearly is important too. In the end, it\u2019s your responsibility to flag up any requests that you think have gone beyond the contract of work you agreed with the client.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, you need to be comfortable with a variable income. Some months, you\u2019ll complete several projects and others you\u2019ll be between contracts.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although as you build up your expertise and reputation as a contractor, you may find your earnings potential increases. Technology recruiters estimate that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.glocomms.com\/en-gb\/industry-insights\/career-advice\/contract-vs-permanent-jobs-in-technology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contract positions usually pay between 30 to 40% more than permanent roles<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-does-an-IT-contractor-do\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does an IT contractor do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A lot of your day-to-day as an IT contractor will depend on the project you\u2019re working on. And your area of expertise.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll probably be hired to deliver something specific. Like build a new feature for an app. Or test a client\u2019s cybersecurity capabilities and produce a vulnerability report. Or assess a business\u2019 IT systems and make recommendations for improvement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But here are some typical daily activities that most IT contractors will do:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Check project updates<\/strong> \u2013 reviewing emails, tickets, or chat messages for updates to your project or new tasks that need to be completed.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Attend project check-in meetings<\/strong> \u2013 these help you stay on the same track as the client, and make sure you\u2019re progressing with your project as expected.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Working on tasks <\/strong>\u2013 coding, testing, configuring systems, setting up infrastructure. This will depend on the kind of IT contractor you are.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Documenting your work <\/strong>\u2013 whether it\u2019s updating documentation, making sure your code comments are on point, or creating system diagrams, everything you do has to be documented so the client can keep benefiting from your work once your contract ends.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Collaboration <\/strong>\u2013 you might be asked to answer technical questions or work with other contractors or in-house staff. Especially if you\u2019re brought in on a bigger project.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Handover prep <\/strong>\u2013 you\u2019ll need to actively prepare for when your contract ends. Working on a proper handover document in advance will make this easier.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-to-become-IT-contractor\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to become an IT contractor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now you\u2019re on board with the idea of becoming an IT contractor, here\u2019s a step-by-step guide to setting up your business. We\u2019ve kept it simple so you can get to day one and start operating straight away.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Decide on your business structure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you start looking for work, you need to set up your company. And that involves choosing an organisational structure. There are a few ways you can do this, each with their own pros and cons.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IT-contractor-table.png\" alt=\"A table showing different ways to set up a business when learning how to become a contractor\" class=\"wp-image-26898\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IT-contractor-table.png 600w, https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IT-contractor-table-257x300.png 257w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you can see, each option will be better or worse, depending on the type of work you want to do. And how much risk and admin you want to take on yourself.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a quick rule of thumb, though:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A <strong>limited company<\/strong> is often the preferred option for working \u201coutside IR35\u201d (we\u2019ll explain exactly what that means in the next section).&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For \u201cinside IR35\u201d, an <strong>umbrella company<\/strong> is usually the simplest choice.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Testing the waters or doing occasional freelance work? Consider <strong>sole trader<\/strong> status.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Want no business admin at all? Look at employment through <strong>agency PAYE<\/strong> or an <strong>umbrella company<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more info to help with deciding how to structure your business, check out the government\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.business.gov.uk\/start\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Help To Grow guide<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Inside or outside IR35?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ve mentioned IR35 throughout the table in the section above. In short, it\u2019s the name commonly used for the UK\u2019s off-payroll tax rules.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These help determine whether an independent contractor working through an intermediary (usually as a limited company or sole trader) should be treated like a regular employee by their client.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re \u201cinside IR35\u201d, you pay income tax and national insurance, like any employee. If you\u2019re \u201coutside IR35\u201d, you\u2019re treated as a business for tax purposes. So, you can pay yourself a mix of salary and dividends, keeping more of your take-home pay.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your IR35 status can and will change between contracts. Because it depends on the nature of the work you\u2019re doing for each client.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more info, take a look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/understanding-off-payroll-working-ir35\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UK government\u2019s IR35 guidance<\/a>. It goes into all the rules you need to be aware of. It\u2019s a worthwhile read because it\u2019ll affect your choice of structure when setting up your company.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Register your business or sole trader status<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Either <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/limited-company-formation\/register-your-company\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">register your business via Companies House<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/become-sole-trader\/register-sole-trader\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">register for self-assessment<\/a> as a sole trader, or research and get started with an agency or umbrella company.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re interested in joining an agency or umbrella company, make sure you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/working-through-an-umbrella-company\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">know your rights<\/a>. Focus on finding reputable businesses with verifiable reviews. Unfortunately, there are a lot of fraudulent businesses operating in the contractor recruitment space, so it pays to be careful.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4.<\/strong> <strong>Set up a business bank account<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re going down the limited company or sole trader route, you\u2019ll want to set up a business bank account. Limited companies have to do this for legal reasons. But it\u2019s a great idea for sole traders too, as it helps to keep your personal and business funds separate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.moneysavingexpert.com\/banking\/business-bank-account\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">resource from MoneySavingExpert<\/a> has all the info you\u2019ll need on the dos and don\u2019ts of business bank accounts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Figure out how you\u2019re going to handle your finances<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For agency or umbrella workers, you\u2019ll be paid as normal via PAYE. Simple.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For limited companies and sole traders, you\u2019ll have a lot more admin to do. Depending on your projected take-home pay, you can either hire an accountant or use reputable bookkeeping tools, like Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks to stay on top of your invoicing and other finances.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember, if you opt to become a sole trader, you\u2019ll need to complete a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/self-assessment-tax-returns\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">self-assessment tax return<\/a> every year. This <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/check-what-taxes-may-apply-to-you-as-a-sole-trader\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">guide from HMRC explains all your tax obligations and rules<\/a> you\u2019ll need to be aware of.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For limited companies, you\u2019ll have to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/prepare-file-annual-accounts-for-limited-company\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">prepare an annual accounts report and tax return<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6.<\/strong> <strong>Build your CV, portfolio, and online presence<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a contractor, your reputation is everything. You can start building that from day one. Craft a CV and portfolio that showcases all your experience. An online portfolio is a great idea, as it\u2019s easy to link prospective clients to, and can be an extra example of your technical prowess.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can use simple website builders like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wix.com\/portfolio-website\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wix<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squarespace.com\/websites\/create-a-portfolio\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Squarespace<\/a> for this. Or create it yourself.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll also be responsible for your own marketing, at least until you\u2019re situated. Working on your personal visibility via websites like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LinkedIn<\/a> can help you meet new clients and showcase your knowledge.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t forget to utilise any contacts you have from your pre-contracting days. These word-of-mouth recommendations can be a great source of repeat business and make it easier when you\u2019re starting out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7.<\/strong> <strong>Join job boards and contractor networks<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are a bunch of places where contracts are advertised. Traditional job seeking websites, like <a href=\"https:\/\/uk.indeed.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Indeed<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.monster.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Monster<\/a>, are a good place to start.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are IT-specific job boards too, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.technojobs.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TechnoJobs<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cwjobs.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CWJobs<\/a>, that might offer more specialised contracts.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should also make contact with IT recruitment agencies. By building relationships with recruiters that cover your niche, you\u2019ll be able to land jobs before they even hit job boards.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll need to immerse yourself in the world of networking. Attending conferences, tech summits, and contractor forums are a great way of making contacts that can lead to jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"realities-IT-contracting\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Managing the realities of IT contracting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, get used to the realities of working for yourself. If you\u2019re going down the route of a limited company or sole trader, you won\u2019t get any sick pay or annual leave.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make sure you plan for this, both financially and practically. Leave gaps between contracts if you want to take some time off and save enough money to be able to comfortably afford your expenses before you pick up your next contract.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lining up contracts far in advance can be a great idea too. It helps you plan your year out and opens up natural periods of time for holidays or breaks.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another aspect of working alone, especially if you opt to work remotely, is the mental side of the job. It can be easy for negative emotions like stress, loneliness, and exhaustion to build up when you\u2019re only accountable to yourself.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take regular breaks, allow yourself time to decompress from contracts, and set work-life balance boundaries. Prioritising your mental and physical health will only help you succeed in the long run.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"getting-right-insurance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting the right insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your business is set up, you\u2019ve got your finances sorted, you know what to expect as far as working solo goes, and you\u2019ve started your contract search.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Wait<\/strong>. Before you press send on that first application, there are a few bits of housekeeping you need to do.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, make sure you have your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/it-contractor-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IT contractors\u2019 insurance<\/a> in order.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accidents happen. At some stage, you\u2019ll make a mistake. Or be accused of one. Depending on the size of your contracts and your clients, that could mean a big bill landing squarely on your doorstep.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Especially if that mistake leads you to breach a contract you\u2019ve signed. It could be a missed deadline, a client accusing you of not meeting a project\u2019s requirements, or infrastructure failing after you\u2019ve worked on it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As you grow and start working on bigger projects for more prominent clients, this risk only becomes more pronounced.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s the insurance you\u2019ll probably need to protect yourself:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/professional-indemnity-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Professional indemnity insurance<\/a> \u2013 this covers you when you\u2019re accused of negligence, dishonesty, libel, slander, or breach of confidentiality. It covers your legal fees and any compensation you might owe. Whether it\u2019s your fault or not.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/public-liability-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Public liability (PL) insurance<\/a> \u2013 if you visit clients, including working on their premises, or they visit you, you\u2019ll need PL insurance. It covers your legal fees and any compensation you might owe if a client injures themselves on your premises or you cause an injury on their premises. And it\u2019s deemed to be your fault.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/portable-equipment-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Portable equipment insurance<\/a> \u2013 if you have to use your own equipment when working on a client\u2019s premises, like your mobile phone or laptop, then portable equipment insurance pays to repair or replace it if it\u2019s damaged, lost, or stolen.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/cyber-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cyber insurance<\/a> \u2013 if you ever use your own devices to complete work for a client, or store\/process client data on your own systems, you\u2019ll want to consider cyber insurance. It helps you recover if you\u2019re hit by a data breach and will handle any legal fees and compensation you might owe to the client.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"reality\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">An exciting journey ahead<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moving into IT contracting can be an exciting and stressful time. The pressures of setting up your business and working for yourself can feel overwhelming.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take it step-by-step. Prepare as much as you can before you leave your permanent position and, if possible, line up some contracts to get you started before making the leap.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Looking for some more help with your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/it-contractor-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IT contractors\u2019 insurance<\/a>? That\u2019s our area of expertise. If you\u2019re ready to talk to a broker or have any questions, give us a call on <strong>0345 222 5391.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Image used under license from ShutterStock.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this guide: For many, being an IT contractor is the dream when it comes to working.&nbsp;&nbsp; But making the leap from working for someone to working for yourself can be scary. All of a sudden, everything\u2019s on your shoulders.&nbsp;&nbsp; &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-become-an-it-contractor\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[290,132],"tags":[310,314,311,237,162,161,140,309],"class_list":["post-26892","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-self-employed-and-freelance-advice","category-small-business-advice","tag-business-advice","tag-business-guides","tag-contracting","tag-freelancers","tag-it-and-technology","tag-it-contractors","tag-running-a-business","tag-starting-a-business"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\r\n<title>How to become an IT contractor: a step-by-step guide<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"IT professional looking to get into contracting? Our guide on how to become an IT contractor has all the info you need to get started.\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\r\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.policybee.co.uk\/blog\/how-to-become-an-it-contractor\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to become an IT contractor: a step-by-step guide\" \/>\r\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"IT professional looking to get into contracting? 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