Client says NO to time off

[computerguru]

The same thing happens to me couple of months back. Informed client that I won't be available for one month and they refused. I called my recruitment agency and told them that I am terminating my contract with 15 days notice. They called the client and then client said ok go ahead with your plans and rejoin us when you are back. Happy ending

[MattZani]

Also, he doesnt really get contracting - as far as hes concerned youre just a temp permie.

that's because most contractors think and act like permies...

[northernladuk]

that's because most contractors think and act like permies...

Absolutely. And the odd thing is if they could drop this thinking everything becomes so much easier and clearer.

[psychocandy]

All well and good stamping your feet and demanding the time off but at the end of the day, whereas I agree I wouldnt cancel a holiday because of a client, I may not want to lose the contract IF POSSIBLE either.

I think in this case, OP should wait and see what happens for now. Causing a scene and a confrontation now doesnt seem like a good idea.

[blacjac]

All well and good stamping your feet and demanding the time off but at the end of the day, whereas I agree I wouldnt cancel a holiday because of a client, I may not want to lose the contract IF POSSIBLE either.

I think in this case, OP should wait and see what happens for now. Causing a scene and a confrontation now doesnt seem like a good idea.

Couldn't disagree more.

Its far better to get it all sorted now. Waiting and seeing is a recipe for disaster when you find out one week before that the client still expects you to be working.

[SlipTheJab]

All well and good stamping your feet and demanding the time off but at the end of the day, whereas I agree I wouldnt cancel a holiday because of a client, I may not want to lose the contract IF POSSIBLE either.

I think in this case, OP should wait and see what happens for now. Causing a scene and a confrontation now doesnt seem like a good idea.

It's not about causing a scene or a confrontation, just inform the client that you're not available NOW. If they renew its with that knowledge and everyone will be much happier all round.

[TykeMerc]

All well and good stamping your feet and demanding the time off but at the end of the day, whereas I agree I wouldnt cancel a holiday because of a client, I may not want to lose the contract IF POSSIBLE either.

I think in this case, OP should wait and see what happens for now. Causing a scene and a confrontation now doesnt seem like a good idea.

Since the OP only ever posts to create threads with tales of woe about ClientCo X, Y or Z I'm not sure that upsetting a ClientCo is a particularly large concern.

Of course the situation itself is a perfectly standard one for us all as contractors, you either limit holidays to gaps between contracts or you discuss and agree holidays mid contract and if you can't agree you decide if the contract is worth keeping. Just as everyone else has said really.

[MicrosoftBob]

Couldn't disagree more.

Its far better to get it all sorted now. Waiting and seeing is a recipe for disaster when you find out one week before that the client still expects you to be working.

I brought holiday up in a interview for a contract, about 8 months into the contract I would be unavailable for a month, they wanted someone available the whole time so it was a no go

But I was glad they said no then, rather than after I'd signed up

[PerfectStorm]

I brought holiday up in a interview for a contract, about 8 months into the contract I would be unavailable for a month, they wanted someone available the whole time so it was a no go

But I was glad they said no then, rather than after I'd signed up

Not as glad as them...

[BolshieBastard]

All well and good stamping your feet and demanding the time off but at the end of the day, whereas I agree I wouldnt cancel a holiday because of a client, I may not want to lose the contract IF POSSIBLE either.

I think in this case, OP should wait and see what happens for now. Causing a scene and a confrontation now doesnt seem like a good idea.

Sorry but this mindset is why you have so many issues with clients. Its not causing a 'scene.' Permie's cause scenes. Wait and see is not just a mugs game, its a recipe for disaster.

My old mum always said strike while the iron is hot. I dont advocate getting angry with the client. I just think when they pull this trick, it confirms they think you're really a permie. You're not but if you let them think that.......