Psychology of long contracts

[northernladuk]

Clients seem to fall into two camps. One will moan that you take loads of holidays (ignore these and carry on), one will moan if you don't take holidays and come across as a money grabbing git....

Absolute bollocks as usual. The first thing that strikes me is what idiot contractor that talks to his client in terms of holidays? The rest is just meh... I've never had a client complain about my availability ever, be it when I've worked 8 months straight or when I was away 4 weeks in a 3 month gig.

[psychocandy]

Absolute bollocks as usual. The first thing that strikes me is what idiot contractor that talks to his client in terms of holidays? The rest is just meh... I've never had a client complain about my availability ever, be it when I've worked 8 months straight or when I was away 4 weeks in a 3 month gig.

Do we really need to quibble about terms used in posts? Yes we all know its not "holidays" and shouldnt be referred to with client as such.

[nomadd]

Yes we all know its not "holidays" and shouldnt be referred to with client as such.

When talking to the client, always use the phrase "working from home."

[No2politics]

I have taken to skipping anything pc says- extremely long posts with nothing new/interesting

[psychocandy]

I have taken to skipping anything pc says- extremely long posts with nothing new/interesting

and who are you?

[aoxomoxoa]

I have taken to skipping anything NLUK says- fairly short posts with nothing new/interesting

FTFY

[LondonManc]

FTFY

Arguably braver than No2Politics. Some real keyboard warriors on here at the moment!

[NotAllThere]

...The first thing that strikes me is what idiot contractor that talks to his client in terms of holidays?...

Oh NLUK, you really do disappear up your own backside on occasion! Telling the client you won't be available for certain dates and mentioning that it's because you're having three weeks on your private island in the Bahamas, isn't an indicator of IR35.

However, like you, I take holidays (or not) as I choose and I've never had any complaints. I started contracting in 1996.

[northernladuk]

Oh NLUK, you really do disappear up your own backside on occasion! Telling the client you won't be available for certain dates and mentioning that it's because you're having three weeks on your private island in the Bahamas, isn't an indicator of IR35.

However, like you, I take holidays (or not) as I choose and I've never had any complaints. I started contracting in 1996.

Indeed I do and you are quite correct but on a long gig it's even more important than normal to get the exact terminology and process correct and stick to it to avoid the slip in to P&P. You get too comfortable and start requesting holidays with the client then it becomes and IR35 issue. A small flag yes but many small flags will start creeping in the longer you are with the client. I think the actions of the contractor can make a client think he takes a lot of hols/money grabbing or the client doesn't care because you deliver. Bearing in mind PC's history and the problems he seems to have with agents/clients that no one else has I believe my comment, although badly put, has some credibility.

[d000hg]

Absolute bollocks as usual. The first thing that strikes me is what idiot contractor that talks to his client in terms of holidays?

The kind who has a relationship with their client? "I'm going on holiday, I won't be available between X and Y".