Clients attitude to contractors inc internet access etc

[paulinefowlersgrowler]

Fairly new but had 4 gigs now.

One thing I've noticed is the different attitudes to contractors. Worked some places where its been a case of you're all the same but others inc current client its stick the contractor in the corner and dont talk to him.

Also, I've worked in offices where its been a nice environment. Friendly people everyone getting along. But again current one is a nightmare. Always bad atmosphere and permies are constantly bitching about each other. To a certain extent, I agree its who cares as long as you get paid but some places are different to others.

Client manager came to have a word with me the other day. Mentioned he noticed that I used the internet a bit. Bit strange - never been flagged for this before always a case of dont take the piss, get the work done, we dont care. In 20+ years, mostly permie, no-ones given a toss. To be honest, at current gig, I ain't even used it that much, and certainly nothing dodgy.

What do you lot do? Yeh I know ultimately its the clients resources you're using but its always been an unwritten of rule I would say of don't take the piss, get the work done, nothing dodgy as I said.

I must admit I am wondering if this approach is something to do with the bad atmosphere in the office. Maybe I've had some permie notice and kick off for some reason.

Goes without say need to be a bit careful now of course....

[northernladuk]

You are paid a lot more than the permies and they know it so you will always be eyed with some suspicion or even contempt. I haven't worked at a client yet where at least one permie in the office hates contractors with a vengeance for one reason or another. He/she will be the first one to complain to a his manager about any contractor putting a foot out of line, however minor and regardless of the general attitude at the client. The manager is obliged to act on this complaint and it sounds like this is the case here. Manager may not be that fussed. Either way, you have a smart phone, use that instead.

Remember you are not one of the crowd and they are not your employers. They are your client and you are providing a professional service. Try and stay squeaky clean and professional whatever the attitude of the office. Look busy at all times even if you are not and don't fall in line with the permies attitudes.

You can't really compare your situation now to what you were as a permie either. You are no longer a permie.

[kingcook]

I surf the internet sometimes at client co, mainly just catching up on news or programming sites. Oh and of course, F.CUK

Never had any problems, but you've got to understand that they are paying you money. Ask yourself if you'd be happy to pay a plumber to repair some pipework in your home, by the hour, and watch him sit there on his mobile glued to Facebook for half an hour.

[speling bee]

They are lucky to have you there. Do what you like and if they have a problem, tell then where to stick it and move on. There are too many contractors like NLUK creeping around subserviently giving the rest of us a bad name.

[northernladuk]

They are lucky to have you there. Do what you like and if they have a problem, tell then where to stick it and move on. There are too many contractors like NLUK creeping around subserviently giving the rest of us a bad name.

The worst of it is I am probably the one that reported him

[speling bee]

The worst of it is I am probably the one that reported him

Quisling.

[Wanderer]

What do you lot do? Yeh I know ultimately its the clients resources you're using but its always been an unwritten of rule I would say of don't take the piss, get the work done, nothing dodgy as I said.

Use your own laptop, tablet or phone for Internet access so they can't monitor it....

[The Spartan]

Use your own laptop, tablet or phone for Internet access so they can't monitor it....

I would have thought this would have been common sense, seeing as we live in a time where mobile internet is pretty decent and most phones are like computers in themselves.

[cojak]

You still have to be discreet, using you own connection from a laptop visible to the whole office is still going to be viewed in a dim light if you're on too often or or for too long.

<says she WFH today...>

[d000hg]

Use your own laptop, tablet or phone for Internet access so they can't monitor it....

Except with those round things in their face.