Why?

[LondonManc]

Or just ask them why they don't take the contracting route. At which point they'll say 'because of sick pay, holiday pay, redundancy, training, etc...'

You really think career permies are that clued up?

Mind you, if they were to honestly answer "I'm not 'kin good enough and I'd be shaking like a sh***ing dog at the thought of having to work for a living" then I'd be very impressed.

[SteelyDan]

In my experience as soon as the day rate is mentioned there's usually no way back.

Never wise to mention this sort of info [even to other contractors] as it can only antagonise.

[vwdan]

I think the root problem is that it sounds like your interpersonal skills are absolutely shocking. Why the hell do the permies even have the slightest clue what your rate is? If you're being seen as disruptive so many times then it's likely that it's you who is the problem. I've had to do the "Educate management" shtick a few times - in fact, I'm doing it right now. Guess what, get on great with the permies and just extend with a rise.

Sort yourself out, man.

[psychocandy]

Got be fair thats a good point - how does the day rate get mentioned?
Even if a permie asks me directly I always jokingly say, look if you're considering contracting take a look at the rates on jobserve.

Never had a problem with permies. Yeh you get the odd piss take but nothing serious.

As I said, you do start with things against you a "little" as a contractor. If you then act like a spolit brat then you'll just confirm what the permies think. If you prove to be a normal person then theres never a problem.

And yes it works to buy them a beer in the pub, at xmas or whatever. I used to tell the permies about pizza place in town at one client and how good it was. So one lunchtime I shelled out for a few pizzas. £30 it cost me. Nothing. Permies were well impressed they were getting something for free.

[ckms]

Just to point out it wasn't me who mentioned the day rate. Someone said something to the line manager. I NEVER talk about such things

[psychocandy]

Just to point out it wasn't me who mentioned the day rate. Someone said something to the line manager. I NEVER talk about such things

Ha ha so line manager told his staff what the contractors day rate was? Not sure if that was the cleverest idea as a manager.

Everywhere I've worked the line managers are petrified the permies are going to find out how much the contractor is getting and then kick off!

[quackhandle]

Contracting is a game to a certain extent and some play it better than others.

Good luck.

qh

[vwdan]

Contracting is a game to a certain extent and some play it better than others.

Good luck.

qh

Indeed, and really that's the key of being in business. You're a sales person, you're a customer relations person and you're the boss - learning to balance those, setting expectations while improving that relationship is a life skill. Yes, we get to opt-out of some permie BS like One to Ones, but there's no stepping out of politics - you shouldn't be just "head down", you should be getting in there and forging working relationships with folk.

[Lance]

That's easily fixed by ensuring you always get the first round in.

Yep. Or open a tab with the company card and let the perms go crazy.

[Brussels Slumdog]

Never been asked by a Permie what my rate is. My daily rate vs your daily rate is a contractor problem.