Actual Hours v Contracted Hours

[Cheshire Cat]

Unfortunately whilst results are the only thing that should matter, I think you do get judged on effort as well, at least that's my experience.

I couldn't agree more. Face-work is very important to many managers and clients, unfortunately.

[BrowneIssue]

Hi Guys,

& dogs & squirrels & apes & Giant Alien Lizards.

I am about to start my first contract on Monday!!

[KathyWoolfe]

I would rather work smarter than longer which is why I try and avoid any time based commitment in the contract.

I would agree except I think that most, if not all, contracts would specify an amount of hours they expect you to work

[Epiphone]

Normally we are expected to do just the 37.5 hrs but they can enforce the 45 hrs at critical times during the project - without extra payment.

Then you didn't negotiate very well at the outset.

[shelby68]

I got burned on my first contract with the "professional day" my manager informed me they expected upto 10 hours before overtime would be paid, knowing no better I went along with it until I spoke to some of the other contractors on site and found out this was total B@llocks, still ended up doing it till the end of the contract and moving on. No one minds a bit of give and take but don't get taken for a ride either.

[NickNick]

I couldn't agree more. Face-work is very important to many managers and clients, unfortunately.

In my first contract, I was helpfully advised by a clleague that as a contractor there on considerably more than the permies it would be politic to be the first in teh office each day and the last out. In that particular situation it stood me in good stead, getting extension after extension. Of course at the time I had no family and the gig was in Dublin, working away from home 4 nights a week. I would honestly say I wouldn't do that now, but then I wouldn't apply for those sorts of jobs now.