Daily rate - attitude to hours worked etc

[northernladuk]

Well, this a 3 monther with possible extensions. Must admit the fact that its three weeks in and no-one seems particularly bothered that I'm not doing too much, is probably good news for an extenssion.

Unless of course they are too busy trying to recovert he budget for the project that has just been pulled.

[SneakySimon]

Frustration

Almost every contract I have done has involed agent saying #client needs you ASAP.

I start and invariably, sit at my desk for several weeks reading manuals / requirements docs etc wondering what was so desperate I had start immediatly for. Drives me insane!!

In terms of hours, I sense the vibe of the place for the first few weeks, then slot into the office pattern. I try to do 8.30 - 5.15pm most days, but if project requires it then I will stay later.

[psychocandy]

Unless of course they are too busy trying to recovert he budget for the project that has just been pulled.

LOL. You're just trying to cheer me up !!!!

No, project hasnt been pulled. Its a VERY big one and the big thing for this client.

I guess its possible they could have decided they dont need me after all though? (I think I'm on two week notice so they gotta pay me for two more weeks at least!!!)

[psychocandy]

Almost every contract I have done has involed agent saying #client needs you ASAP.

I start and invariably, sit at my desk for several weeks reading manuals / requirements docs etc wondering what was so desperate I had start immediatly for. Drives me insane!!

In terms of hours, I sense the vibe of the place for the first few weeks, then slot into the office pattern. I try to do 8.30 - 5.15pm most days, but if project requires it then I will stay later.

I guess I'm not the only one then !!!!
Same with me agent was really badgering me to start...

No specific hours in my contract - just says day rate. Asked my contact at the agency and they said other contractors here work 8.30 till 6. This I found to be not true but thinking about it the agents going to say that. (i.e. I put in more hours, client happier, same money for agent - I work less hours, client not happy, same money for agent). I have since heard 8 hours (from a different contact at the agency).

Permies here seem to come and go as they please and turn up mostly after 9. I'm in before 9 and often first one here....

[Stan.goodvibes]

I go for the first impression counts approach - put a load of hours in first month or so, stay off the web, look keen. Once everyone thinks your amazing then you can really slack off and that great first impression will stick for a hell of a long time before anyone notices. They just assume you must be in a meeting or you started early and just popped out to get coffee etc etc...

[Fred Bloggs]

I go for the first impression counts approach - put a load of hours in first month or so, stay off the web, look keen. Once everyone thinks your amazing then you can really slack off and that great first impression will stick for a hell of a long time before anyone notices. They just assume you must be in a meeting or you started early and just popped out to get coffee etc etc...

Always a good policy. I set out to be Mr Helpful and Cheery personified for the first few weeks, then you can start to relax.

[MarillionFan]

How do most of you handle this?

Is it a case of ask the client when they want you in the office? (although isnt this a little anti-IR35)

Or do you just turn up when you want and leave when you want but manage your own time so you do enough hours in the week and/or get the job done?

Or do you ask permission from client to come in early/ leave early etc?

Also, assuming theres nothing urgent going on, do you tend to work over 7.5/8 hours to make a good impression or not bother with things like that?

That one.

[psychocandy]

That one.

LOL. Seems to be some differing opinions.

To be honest, I've tried to fall in line with the permies here for the first few weeks. However, I've found that generally they seem to stroll in when it suits them whereas I'm always here 8-30 or so. Of course, I guess generally no-one notices if you're in early but notices if you leave even 5 mins before anyone.

Neither agency or client has ever discussed hours of work with me so from that I guess they're not that bothered.

I did have a chat with one of the guys I work with and said would I be upsetting anyone if I occasionally worked 8-00 till 4-30 or something. He shrugged and sort of said nah its ok.

Both project manager and team leader are based at another site and only appear occasionally as well.

I guess I'll get used to dealing with these issues after a few more contracts.

[Hex]

LOL. Seems to be some differing opinions.

To be honest, I've tried to fall in line with the permies here for the first few weeks. However, I've found that generally they seem to stroll in when it suits them whereas I'm always here 8-30 or so. Of course, I guess generally no-one notices if you're in early but notices if you leave even 5 mins before anyone.

Neither agency or client has ever discussed hours of work with me so from that I guess they're not that bothered.

I did have a chat with one of the guys I work with and said would I be upsetting anyone if I occasionally worked 8-00 till 4-30 or something. He shrugged and sort of said nah its ok.

Both project manager and team leader are based at another site and only appear occasionally as well.

I guess I'll get used to dealing with these issues after a few more contracts.

Out of interest - is this at a bank in the city? Sounds like one I used to work at that got its fingers burnt bying a dutch bank a few years ago!

[kaiser78]

I am contracted to work 9-5.30 & 1hr for lunch. I am normally the last one within my team to arrive in the morning, although traffic allowing am normally in before 9, and whilst I am never the first to leave in the evening am not the last either. The difference is that most of my colleagues live local to our offices, and within walking distance - I have over an hour drive.. So I do keep my hours up and also when I work from home, work an extended day.

Luckily my boss recognises this and is happy with this, especially if I leave before 5.30 having had reduced lunch break etc (which I always do).