Client not flexible with hours

**malvolio** · 23 October 2016, 18:52

Originally posted by Big Blue Plymouth View Post

I know I should have got this nailed in the interview but in the 12 years or so that I've been contracting I've never worked for anyone who wasn't adverse to me fitting in my 7.5 hours (or whatever) around core working hours of 10-4pm.

I now find myself having to do 9-5.30 with a 1 hour lunch because "it's important for the team to be together at all times".

I can't even make up time if I need an hour or two off for the dentist or something so have to take a half day instead.

My contract doesn't mention hours, how many I should do or whether the client can dictate when I work them. I don't want to be awkward but should I be a bit more assertive over when it is I want to be at work or should I just suck it up?

I'm 1 week in. It's not a great role but there's always the chance they may loosen up a bit if I knuckle down & get the work done for the next few weeks. But on the other hand, they may not & if I'm going to walk, it's better to do it sooner rather than later.

Anyone dealt with this kind of situation before?

When you go to a shop, do you buy what you what or what the shop thinks you need?

It's carp, but it's what your customer wants. In my case it once meant getting up at 5:30 to be at work for a daily meeting at 8:30 at the other end of a 90 minute commute. It's not worth losing a gig over unless you have some other reason for starting late and finishing early

**northernladuk** · 23 October 2016, 18:53

Smash it for the first month or so. Prove you can deliver and be trusted and if there is an option of flexibility you are a great position to request it. They may say no, that's that and you are gonna have to like or lump it.

I have a personal beef with contractors signing a contract and turning up wanting flexibility from the off and the walking when they don't get it. Good riddance IMO.

I'm very surprised you've not seen this in 12 years. I'm 8 years in and had everything from this to complete disinterest in where or what times I deliver. The ambiguity and ups and downs is part of the work we do.

**Big Blue Plymouth** · 23 October 2016, 19:10

Originally posted by malvolio View Post

When you go to a shop, do you buy what you what or what the shop thinks you need?

It's carp, but it's what your customer wants. In my case it once meant getting up at 5:30 to be at work for a daily meeting at 8:30 at the other end of a 90 minute commute. It's not worth losing a gig over unless you have some other reason for starting late and finishing early

Yeah, I've got a few appointments coming up. Will just have to take half days as they won't let me make up the time elsewhere. And it would be really good to avoid the rush hour - this is Bristol I'm talking about & I'm coming from the south so I have to drive.

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

Smash it for the first month or so. Prove you can deliver and be trusted and if there is an option of flexibility you are a great position to request it. They may say no, that's that and you are gonna have to like or lump it.

I have a personal beef with contractors signing a contract and turning up wanting flexibility from the off and the walking when they don't get it. Good riddance IMO.

I'm very surprised you've not seen this in 12 years. I'm 8 years in and had everything from this to complete disinterest in where or what times I deliver. The ambiguity and ups and downs is part of the work we do.

I saw it once when I worked for a certain car manufacturer where we were all expected to follow the hooter; but they were completely up front about this at the interview. Everywhere else I've been, not an issue at all so, yes, I'm quite shocked to find somebody this restrictive.

As you said, yes knuckle down & turn out some good work & see where I am.

**Fronttoback** · 23 October 2016, 21:45

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

Smash it for the first month or so. Prove you can deliver and be trusted and if there is an option of flexibility you are a great position to request it. They may say no, that's that and you are gonna have to like or lump it.

I have a personal beef with contractors signing a contract and turning up wanting flexibility from the off and the walking when they don't get it. Good riddance IMO.

I'm very surprised you've not seen this in 12 years. I'm 8 years in and had everything from this to complete disinterest in where or what times I deliver. The ambiguity and ups and downs is part of the work we do.

Smash it for *one* month only? I usually smash it for six months, once the first extension is in the bag, *then* you can enjoy it for another couple of years...

**northernladuk** · 23 October 2016, 22:01

Originally posted by Fronttoback View Post

Smash it for *one* month only? I usually smash it for six months, once the first extension is in the bag, *then* you can enjoy it for another couple of years...

Well you are over doing it then. You don't need that long to earn the clients trust. You are an unknown to them at first. Nothing more than a CV and an interview. You get in and prove they've got the right person and then you can rest on your laurels. Work smart not hard.

If it takes you six months to prove you are any good i'd argue you are not.

**mudskipper** · 24 October 2016, 06:19

You can still rock up early to avoid the rush hour and stay till 5:30.

If you do so regularly, you might find they're happy to accommodate your appointments.

But every client is different...

**Old Greg** · 24 October 2016, 07:13

Originally posted by northernladuk View Post

Well you are over doing it then. You don't need that long to earn the clients trust. You are an unknown to them at first. Nothing more than a CV and an interview. You get in and prove they've got the right person and then you can rest on your laurels. Work smart not hard.

If it takes you six months to prove you are any good i'd argue you are not.

One month is sufficient to prove you are any good. But 6 months is about right to show that you own them and to make them beg like a little doggy to keep you on.

**eek** · 24 October 2016, 07:33

Originally posted by Old Greg View Post

One month is sufficient to prove you are any good. But 6 months is about right to show that you own them and to make them beg like a little doggy to keep you on.

+1. Current clientco really doesn't do work from home (well senior management can but no one else). Renewal came and I'm only in the office when required.

**psychocandy** · 24 October 2016, 07:40

I always assume every gig is 9 to 5 unless they say in the interview.

To be honest, most people have said in interview where, for instance, they provided cover to 6 or whatever. I guess its in their interests to be up front about it.

If its an issue, which it can be for me with childcare and/or location (e.g. 9am is worst possible start time in a city centre) then I'll ask at interview. If they say no 9-5 no way then its up to me to accept offer or not.

Client not flexible with hours