Holiday plan - Client being unresponsive

[psychocandy]

Two months into my first three month contract. Had a discussion with the manager about possible extensions and he said he was hoping to get me a renewal.

At the time, I mentioned a holiday I had planned in two months time. Didnt think it appropriate to discuss time off before in theroetical extension periods!

Nothing booked but Mrs has booked time off work etc. so I told the client this and that if these weeks were awkward I'd see if I could reschedule something. He said as long as it fitted into project plan then hes ok.

Emailed the fella to confirm the date, pointed out I'd checked the plan and it looked ok. No reply. Left a message for him - no reply. That was two weeks ago - I dont see him much since hes based at another office. Emailed him again - no reply.

As time goes on the chances of Mrs rescheduling her time off gets less and less. I mean I think I've been fair with the fella giving him chance to raise objections. But he aint been bothered. What would you do now?

Book the holiday and say, well, I did mention and you didn't object and possibly sour the relationship a little? Or wait till client eventually gets his arse in gear?

NLUK - I know you're bound to respond to this so please be nice today !!!! :-) Yes, I am thinking about it from a business perspective - I want the contract renewal but I also dont want the client to take the piss out of me either. (Actually, fannying my Mrs around could be a poor financial decision ultimately!).

[Sockpuppet]

Do we really need 2 different threads on your holiday issues?

[northernladuk]

Do we even need to discuss the arrangements for your time off between you and YOUR client. There must be something on this contract you are able to handle by yourself? God knows how much you ask your colleagues in the office about your work.

[psychocandy]

Do we even need to discuss the arrangements for your time off between you and YOUR client. There must be something on this contract you are able to handle by yourself? God knows how much you ask your colleagues in the office about your work.

Imagine how much i'd have to complain about if I worked with a grumpy twat like you !!!!

[SueEllen]

Imagine how much i'd have to complain about if I worked with a grumpy twat like you !!!!

Actually having worked with some of the clients I have working with someone straight and to the point is a relief.

[jmo21]

What would you do now?

I'd keep phoning until he eventually picks up. Don't bother with leaving voicemails or sending emails he can ignore.

Once you do get him and pin him down, send a follow up email, saying "as discussed you are happy with my time off plans" etc.

[Old Greg]

Imagine how much i'd have to complain about if I worked with a grumpy twat like you !!!!

You may get a more helpful repsonse using the CUK Q&A service in my signature.

Can I please remind everyone to remain professional in 'Accounting / Legal'.

[kingcook]

Just make it clear to the client (at renewal time) that you won't be available for X weeks in Y weeks time.

If they renew with that in mind, no problem

[psychocandy]

Can I please remind everyone to remain professional in 'Accounting / Legal'.

Got no chance of that. Being friendly might be a first step.

[Hex]

Your whole problem here is you are asking for permission to be off. Instead tell him you will not be available for those dates. Tell him that if he forsees any issues with that to contact you immediately. Make it so that it's him that has to run around not you.

I would make sure you give them plenty of notice though and it might be best if you told them before the contract rather than during it if it's a 3 monther. Notwithstanding this, as long as your contract says you manage your own time and doesn't say you have to be in the office every day from 9 to 5 then you can do what you want as long as you get the work done. The manager may not like it but that's his problem.