Logistics of Working away in London - Experiences?

[ladymuck]

DLR is like the tube but different

The TFL website is your friend ...
Keeping London moving - Transport for London

[northernladuk]

DLR is like the tube but different

The TFL website is your friend ...
Keeping London moving - Transport for London

With people stuck all over it.

[ladymuck]

With people stuck all over it.

Sometimes, not always. People stuck to the front of a DLR train is not common but would be entertaining

[BlueSharp]

Take a look at an app called citymapper, it's fantastic for working out how to move around London using all forms of transport, cycling, uber, public transport..

[Batcher]

So "a great place" and "sucks donkey balls." Why and why? I'm assuming, unless you are a donkey lover, that sucks donkey balls is not a good thing...

Another consideration is travel down to London. Client is saying that they would pay a rate that would take accommodation costs into account. However looking at taking the train return journeys are approx £250. Only done once a week but still substantial. in hindsight, would it be unreasonable to try and negotiate a higher rate to cover that are there ways to minimise the costs or would you just "suck it up" (cue donkey)? I am not on the flat rate VAT scheme.

You need to gather the information about costs before you can then work out a rate that you are happy with and leaves you with a profit.
No point accepting a contract on £250 pd in central London then asking for a rise once you find out that you will be living on the breadline.

[psychocandy]

Omg really? . Start doing some of you own research. Jeez.

Dont think hes ever been to that London before....

[northernladuk]

Dont think hes ever been to that London before....

Lol. It appears so.

[oliverson]

So "a great place" and "sucks donkey balls." Why and why? I'm assuming, unless you are a donkey lover, that sucks donkey balls is not a good thing...

Another consideration is travel down to London. Client is saying that they would pay a rate that would take accommodation costs into account. However looking at taking the train return journeys are approx £250. Only done once a week but still substantial. in hindsight, would it be unreasonable to try and negotiate a higher rate to cover that are there ways to minimise the costs or would you just "suck it up" (cue donkey)? I am not on the flat rate VAT scheme.

Depends when you book it and when you travel. There's a 'window' of opportunity for lower fares but you have to book a few weeks in advance. Leaving it to the day before is asking for whopping fares. I have a mate travels down from Preston on a Monday morning and back again on a Thursday, WFH on Friday. He's arranged to arrive mid-morning and leave mid-afternoon, putting in a few extra hours Tuesday and Wednesday. By doing that his train fares are less than £ 500 a month. From Leeds, I got mine down to under £ 600 a month by going down the night before, which I didn't mind as I was only on site 2 days a week. I could probably have given up the apartment rental given I was only there 2 nights a week but there was no saving to be had staying in hotels and a lot more hassle. Plus, had I taken the morning train to get me to London for 08:59 it would have been over £ 100 more each trip and I've have been tired all day due to the early rise. It's whatever works for you. I enjoyed my party trains down and back, 1st class. Few beers, snacks and watch a film. My own little party!

[Old Greg]

Depends when you book it and when you travel. There's a 'window' of opportunity for lower fares but you have to book a few weeks in advance. Leaving it to the day before is asking for whopping fares. I have a mate travels down from Preston on a Monday morning and back again on a Thursday, WFH on Friday. He's arranged to arrive mid-morning and leave mid-afternoon, putting in a few extra hours Tuesday and Wednesday. By doing that his train fares are less than £ 500 a month. From Leeds, I got mine down to under £ 600 a month by going down the night before, which I didn't mind as I was only on site 2 days a week. I could probably have given up the apartment rental given I was only there 2 nights a week but there was no saving to be had staying in hotels and a lot more hassle. Plus, had I taken the morning train to get me to London for 08:59 it would have been over £ 100 more each trip and I've have been tired all day due to the early rise. It's whatever works for you. I enjoyed my party trains down and back, 1st class. Few beers, snacks and watch a film. My own little party!

Is fare splitting still worthwhile?

[oliverson]

Is fare splitting still worthwhile?

Possibly but I'm too lazy to bother with it. Isn't that the kind of thing permies do? ;-)