HardAss client manager - and IR unfriendly too

[original PM]

Well that's a fair point but what it actually means is lazy management.

Which is probably one of the most damaging problems a company can have.

Management is not about taking a register but so much more than that.

[northernladuk]

I don't think it's as black and white as that. Yes most of it might well be down to poor client attitudes but engagement with stakeholders can be a factor and so can the client being burned in the past plus others.

My current gig works much better being on site. I'd rather not WFH as I can get more done more efficiently on site. Client is well aware if that.

I also think WFH should be based on trust so at very least that has to be gained before demanding freedom to do what you want. I know more than enough contractors I wouldn't let out of eyesight let alone WFH.

I don't personally think it's fair to blame a client just because they don't have a carte blanche policy on home working.

[ceebeepps]

Perhaps with a few more contracting years on my back I may think differently(!), but my client is precisely that; my client. I'm providing a quality service in a niche market where everyone knows everyone and charging a premium for it so I like to be visible and making a difference and more importantly demonstrating my value as this gets me more work. I don't expect an easy gig, wfh or flexibility.

[AnthonyQuinn]

That attitude might work with low level n00bs, but any in-demand contractor is going to call your bluff with that childish attitude; I dare say you specialised in n00bs or didn't last long as a hiring manager

worked for me till i became a contractor myself. Yes if someone is in high enough demand, he / she should just find another gig. Why whinge about the hardass manager??

[psychocandy]

You normally take on a contractor to achieve a series of set tasks/goals.

Not to come in every day to 'work'.

As long as they hit the milestones and deliverables it really does not matter how, where and when they do it.

And in fact when you say you do not think WFH is 'work' actually just highlights you as the sort of person who cannot manage their own time and motivate themselves.

Not true. Depends what you do.

In my case, most of the stuff is to backfill for permies who are moved to project work. Not the most IR35 frendly I know.

[FatLazyContractor]

Not true. Depends what you do.

In my case, most of the stuff is to backfill for permies who are moved to project work. Not the most IR35 frendly I know.

You, sir, are really & truly NCOTBAC in the true sense of the word.

[original PM]

Not true. Depends what you do.

In my case, most of the stuff is to backfill for permies who are moved to project work. Not the most IR35 frendly I know.

Why can the work you are backing filling for the permies not be done at home?

In this day and age with the exception of some specific roles where you have to be at a certain place at a certain time - such as a service or helpdesk role there is no reason to have to be in a specific location to get the job done.

But anyway horses for courses and all that!

[psychocandy]

You, sir, are really & truly NCOTBAC in the true sense of the word.

Why? Because of the work I do?