Real Contractor Stories: Ben

What inspired you to become a contractor with Autotech Recruit?

Ben: At the time, I was working at BMW, and I got chatting with another contractor there. He talked about the flexibility of contracting, which really appealed to me. The financial benefits were also a big factor, and being your own boss and running your own company sounded fantastic. It felt like the best of both worlds. Making the jump was a big decision, but I’ve never looked back.

How long have you been a vehicle technician, and how long have you been contracting with us?

Ben: I’ve been a vehicle technician for nearly 12 years now. As for contracting with Autotech Recruit, it’s been about three years altogether, and I’ve never missed a beat since.

 

Has it always been plain sailing, or have you faced any challenges as a contractor?

Ben: It’s been mostly plain sailing, to be honest. There was one challenge – sometimes you get a bit of stigma when you first go into a new garage, especially from some of the older guys. But that fades quickly. It’s just like being the new person in any garage. I enjoy moving around – I like the variety and the change. I’ve been in the same garage for two years now, and you become part of the team after about a week. Contracting feels a lot more normalised now than it was a few years ago, and people seem to be much more welcoming these days.

 

What’s a normal week like for you as a contract technician?

Ben: It’s pretty straightforward. I work Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 5:30. At the end of the week, I’ll sort out my timesheet, calculate how many hours I’ve worked, and then create my invoice. If I need to, I’ll speak to my accountant, but that’s about it. The rest of the weekend is mine to enjoy. I don’t work Saturdays, so I get to spend time with the kids and just relax.

 

What are the top three things you like about being a contractor?

Ben: The flexibility is a big one, and the money is always reassuring. Another thing I like is that you’re not chasing customers like you would in a normal garage – you’ve got security with clients and money coming in. And, of course, being my own boss is great. I get to make my own decisions without being told what to do all the time.

 

Do you have an interesting story to share?

Ben: I’ve got a few, but one that stands out is about the director at the garage I’m currently working at. Every week or two, he comes in and asks, “Do you want to work with us here full-time?” And I always reply, “No, you’re alright!” He just smiles, walks away, and then comes back a couple of weeks later to ask the same thing. It’s always a good laugh!

 

How do you juggle contracting and your free time? Is it easier than being in a permanent role?

Ben: There’s a bit more work involved behind the scenes, like managing your accounts, but I break it down into bite-sized chunks. At the end of the week, I spend about half an hour sorting things out, and then the rest of the time is mine. The great thing is, you can choose how you work – you don’t have to do five days a week. You could work four days and use the fifth for admin if you wanted. By doing a little bit at a time, it’s much more manageable than leaving it all to the end of three months and stressing over it.

 

Why did you decide to become an ambassador for Autotech Recruit?

Ben: I believe in the company’s values and want to spread the word. I think contracting is the future of the trade, to be honest. I can see the industry moving more towards contract-based roles rather than permanent ones. So, I try to share the benefits with people I think would be a good fit and encourage them to get on board.

 

Ben’s story showcases the many benefits of contracting, from the flexibility to design his own schedule and the financial perks it offers, to the independence of being his own boss. He’s also passionate about the growing opportunities in contract-based roles within the industry. Want to learn more? Discover how Autotech Recruit is helping technicians redefine their careers.