So I had my interview tonight...It sounds like I pretty much have the job?? There has been nothing official yet. However, the guy who interviewed me thinks extremely highly of the colleague who recommended me.

He wants to bring me on now even though he hasn't discussed with his boss. The original proposal was for me to cover my colleague when she goes on maternity leave, which isn't until June or July. I did think it was a little strange that he'd want to talk to me now. Anyhow, he'd like the contractor to start asap. Officially, the position would end June 2009, but he said if things went well, he'd try his best to get me on full-time afterwards. I know my colleague would rather work part-time once baby #3 arrives.

Also, he needs to talk to HR about such a long contract position...they might want it to be a full-time permanent? At this point, I need to supply him a monthly contract rate and an annual salary $. The annual salary amount is a no-brainer for me, but I have not done anything in the contracting world. I've been advised to tack on 50% to what I make monthly. But I need to consider what the employer should provide for me, such as a workstation if I'm going to be in their office, etc.

What do I need to know about figuring out a contract rate??

Even though I would love to quit my current job right now, I feel like I should finish my current project. I told him my earliest availability would be mid-March.