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We can draw a parallel with Dr. Spencer Johnson’s book “Who Moved My Cheese?” which describes different approaches taken by four fictional characters in a maze (job world) when their supply of cheese (contract opportunities) vanishes.

The lead character while looking out for new cheese stations realizes that cheese did not vanish suddenly but dwindled slowly. He takes a further journey into the unknown and creates an inspiring ending happily.

It would be ideal if we are alerted about the diminishing supply of cheese and we look for new ‘cheese station’ while old cheese is still not gone. Unfortunately, many of us realize it only when the cheese is actually gone.

1. Changes happen – accept that the supply of cheese (contract opportunities) is vanishing. Comfort zone, fear of the unknown, denial are factors that keep one at the same cheese station (old technology / same client) even if cheese becomes stale (diminishing rates).
2. Anticipate changes – start looking for new cheese stations (new skills). Always understand what are the new trends – in IT or functional domains – how work-landscape is changing. Proactively identify upcoming changes instead of getting caught by them, will avoid surprises.
3. Adapt to change quickly – wander into the maze. Learn about new trends, be it new technology, a new methodology or new regulation. Attend seminars, participate in working groups and equip yourself to lead the changes. Of course, enjoy the journey!
4. Change – move to the cheese. Contracting professionals do not really have the luxury of not moving with the cheese.

Let’s take an example of a contractor who has been supporting traditional IT server infrastructure. Initially, she has seen a high demand for this kind of work. Then higher competition came in but she made it due to her experience in his field. Then rates reduced or remained stagnant and now stream of work dried up. She probably has missed upgrading her skillset with the new tech trends like Automation, DevOps (PaaS, IaaS, SaaS, etc) or Cloud.

Marching Ahead

Any contractor can be in demand and fetch top rates only if they have a skill set that is in demand.

Luckily, in our professional lives, we have more help available to us than the four fictional characters of the book. We need not to adventure out alone in the unknown or remain clueless.

Here at Open Consulting™, we are building a whole framework with contractors, for contractors.

4. Help in increasing your daily rate

• Apart from the recommendations on certification and working groups, Open Consulting™ community (like glassdoor) keeps a record of previous rates paid by the client, team, role level.
• This helps to guide you to demand the best rate possible for your skills at the specific client and team.

When you have found your new cheese station – help your colleagues who are still at empty cheese stations to find their path into new cheese stations, by – providing examples/testimonies in the comment section on how you have found the new cheese?