Back to permieland - 1 month in

[MonkeysUncle]

To revive an old thread.

Been about a year and abit into my FTC. Still enjoying it. Challenging at times, especially with some closed minded people but manageble. Still enjoying having annual leave again. In the past year only had to go into the office 3 times. First was for a leaving do (my choice). Second was when a new engineer on the team started (meet and greet) and the third is next week when our new director starts, again just a meet and greet, completely optional but happy to go in as its a change of scenery and I think its always good to meet face to face, even if its just once.

Bit of an odd one though. I have been asked to do a PPDR (annual personal review). Ok...but..I am on an FTC..which ends next month (if I dont get it extended). Spoke to my Line Manager and HR have said even FTC need to do one. Must be a tick box thing. I was meant to do it when I started but he wasnt aware soI have to do a PPDR for the year just gone and one for the year coming.

I dont mind, but if I end up finishing up in a months time, whats the point? What do I put down?

Anyone else on an FTC had to do the same?

My LM is aware of the absurdity of me doing one so has just said put down whatever and he will sign it off. Not like I get a pay rise or anything out of it.

[ladymuck]

With you on that one.

My biggest complaint is that I'm not getting the points any more. No longer top tier Marriott, IHG, BA, etc.

They've been discussing return to office and it looks like from next year I'll be doing 2-3 days on site.

...PER QUARTER.

I never chased hotel loyalty points but I've managed to keep BA Gold though to 2023 due to status extensions (although I'm only 205 points away from legitimately re-qualifying thanks to the double tier points on holidays deal). I need to work on my points next year but have enough trips planned that it should be ok if the world doesn't shut itself down again.

[Bodger]

With you on that one.

My biggest complaint is that I'm not getting the points any more. No longer top tier Marriott, IHG, BA, etc.

They've been discussing return to office and it looks like from next year I'll be doing 2-3 days on site.

...PER QUARTER.

Desperately clinging to my Hilton Diamond. They've extended status for the last two years due to covid, but I'm running out of points to take cheap weekends away

Need to get some site visits on soon so I can top up the points!

[GregRickshaw]

With you on that one.

My biggest complaint is that I'm not getting the points any more. No longer top tier Marriott, IHG, BA, etc.

They've been discussing return to office and it looks like from next year I'll be doing 2-3 days on site.

...PER QUARTER.

Oh man the loyalty points.... I had just got back to United Gold when Covid hit

[PCTNN]

I always negotiate wfh and get it added to the contract, so no future return to the office will change my situation, and avoids any confusion over this. Don’t rely on what the clients or (especially) agents say.

Yes this is the way to go and will do that if I ever go back to contracting. Easier for contract roles than permie roles. Permie roles tend to have a box standard contract format with not much flexibility and pretty much everything needs to be in line with company wide policies.

[WTFH]

100% that!

Basically as the late great Ronnie Barker famously said through one of his most iconic characters.

"Don't let the b***ards grind you down!"

With you on that one.

My biggest complaint is that I'm not getting the points any more. No longer top tier Marriott, IHG, BA, etc.

They've been discussing return to office and it looks like from next year I'll be doing 2-3 days on site.

...PER QUARTER.

[GregRickshaw]

100%. I’ve been wfh for the last 4 years and wouldn’t go back to an office whatever the rate. I always negotiate wfh and get it added to the contract, so no future return to the office will change my situation, and avoids any confusion over this. Don’t rely on what the clients or (especially) agents say.

100% that!

Basically as the late great Ronnie Barker famously said through one of his most iconic characters.

"Don't let the b***ards grind you down!"

[gixxer2021]

This return to office stuff will only happen if you let it.

For once all workers - employees and contractors alike - have the leverage here while the status quo is on your side, i.e. working remotely.

Watch out for those who will go back in a little too voluntarily, expecting their colleagues/suppliers to follow suit. These people are not your friends.

100%. I’ve been wfh for the last 4 years and wouldn’t go back to an office whatever the rate. I always negotiate wfh and get it added to the contract, so no future return to the office will change my situation, and avoids any confusion over this. Don’t rely on what the clients or (especially) agents say.

[kloos]

Yes I'm being harsh but it's important, trust me.

Actually I don't think you are being harsh and I appreciate what you are saying. After 30 years as a perm it will naturally take a while to shake the habit, especially as my first dip into the water was a perm role in disguise. I will continue to read and continue to learn and continue to experience for myself. So thank you.

[northernladuk]

Actually I get that. My current role is a cushtie number, and I realise that. I landed on my feet for my first contract, but just because they treat me like a member of staff doesn't mean that I am one. If I advise them to turn right and they turn left, who cares! As long as I made my point clearly and covered my back then I'm happy that I did my job. Client is a better word than boss or line manager, but essentially it means the same thing, ie the person who gives me the role and who I report feedback to and who decides whether I stay or not.

No it doesn't and if you ever get an outside gig it's essential. They are not your boss at all so not the same thing and that mindset is essential to staying outside. It might seem simple as you've put it there but it's not and it's a good mindset to get in to early. We see it all the time on here. Where it might be pedantry at this point when certain situations occur permie thinking will produce one solution and contractor thinking will produce another.

Don't think that getting the boot on the spot is reserved for contracts. My last 2 perm roles ended on the spot being escorted from the building (slightly more challenging for the 2nd one as it was remote). At least this time, if they end my contract I am armed and ready with pimps who know me already.

And again you'd be wrong. You still have a contract of employment and there are rights connected to that. The actual physical act of being walked off site is one thing, there is the whole contracted thing in the background that is completely different. The fact you are still comparing the two is further evidence you don't get it.

And the pimps thing. Firstly, drop the word pimp. They are agents, Don't fall in to silly negative terminology before you even understand what you do. The fact you have some agents that know you means squat. It's not a head hunting world. The agent will only be interested if they have a gig for you. They don't go find you gigs. It's very uncommon to get work from the same agent you've previously worked on. You go with any agent that has a client with an opportunity. This is yet another change in mentality you have to get your head around.

You might have fallen in to a cushty number but it's not preparing you for contracting. You are just being a permie at another company. You've a lot of work to get this right. When you do it will benefit you enormously in the long run. You might not be able to see why now now but you will.

Yes I'm being harsh but it's important, trust me.

And a very key point..

but just because they treat me like a member of staff doesn't mean that I am one

In HMRC's eyes it does and that is the absolute key. It's them that are going to investigate you and the tax you like the perm the client thinks you are.