Struggling to find contract after mat leave

[bluedrop]

I like this post

Well, I'm not a "mum" but find myself in the same situation. I'm an "early-in, early-out" sort of person, and refuse to work beyond 4:30 unless it's really necessary. I motorcycle to work and so like to miss the worst of the traffic. I normally get in work between 7:30-7:45, so my hours are well and truly covered by the time I leave. But still I get the dirty looks at 4:30 each day, by all those who chose to stroll in 2 hours after I did and spend an hour or more at lunch (which I don't.) Just part of the game, I'm afraid.

I'm now very firm in raising the working hours issue at the interview, just so there is no arguing later on (not that that didn't stop my previous client arguing about it anyway, from a manager who rarely arrived before 10:30-11:00 a.m.) In these days where clients want to slash rates and pay zilch for overtime, I find I don't give a damn anymore; I'm out at 4:30, and that's that.

[escapeUK]

I'm a mum to a 3 yr old...I've always struggled to find clients willing to accept my circumstances....I start early and finish early since I need to pick up My child frm the day care.... Some clients find it sooooo difficult to accommodate my 'finishing at 430' request.....they seem okay with guys starting at 930am though!

But as contractors we are supposed to the flexible ones, this is why we demand high rates. If you want to be inflexible, and expect the client to accommodate you rather than you accommodate them then you should seriously think about going back to permie.

I dont know what you do specifically, but what if something you are working on fails at 4:20pm and it must be fixed asap. Does the business have to take that risk (or cost implication) that you walk out as little Timmy needs picking up?

[TheFaQQer]

I dont know what you do specifically, but what if something you are working on fails at 4:20pm and it must be fixed asap. Does the business have to take that risk (or cost implication) that you walk out as little Timmy needs picking up?

The business runs that risk with every employee and supplier they work with, regardless of whether they are parents or not. I've worked with plenty of permies and contractors who walk out the door when their day is complete, regardless of whether something has failed or not. To suggest that this is something that only applies to parents is ridiculous.

[nomadd]

I dont know what you do specifically, but what if something you are working on fails at 4:20pm and it must be fixed asap. Does the business have to take that risk (or cost implication) that you walk out as little Timmy needs picking up?

Not with me, it doesn't, as I don't do Production Support. And I never have. Or ever will.

[Regent]

But as contractors we are supposed to the flexible ones, this is why we demand high rates. If you want to be inflexible, and expect the client to accommodate you rather than you accommodate them then you should seriously think about going back to permie.

I dont know what you do specifically, but what if something you are working on fails at 4:20pm and it must be fixed asap. Does the business have to take that risk (or cost implication) that you walk out as little Timmy needs picking up?

In general terms I agree with this post, however I don't have children to worry about. If I did it would be my reponsibility to have a plan in place for alternate arrangements for the children as from time to time my work does require a degree of flexibilty.

Primarily, I'm a developer and purely from a profession point of view (this applied when I was perm too), if something urgent requires fixing, within reason I would put a few hours in to address the issue. Client co will always appreciate this. Relationships require give and take by both parties and therefore would expect the same flexibilty in return if I required urgent dental treatment/doctors appointment.

[bluedrop]

I am not in production support. That type of 24/7 jobs don't suit me. I am a domain consultant and a business analyst. Yes little timmy needs to be picked up on time - every single day. Why should I go back to being a permie? I think ppl like you should consider that - your attitude is perfect for being a cribbing manager working for an Indian IT firm constantly trying to turn people into machines...

To clarify, there were occasions when things HAD to be done that day ...my husband did the picking up to let me finish the task....but I don't accommodate such after 430 requests until absolutely necessary.

You know what, I am not sure how many can make it work doing 8am to 430pm... But I am going to make it work. I m VERY good at what I do... Its just a matter of time...I am only 2 contracts old....I will struggle initially to find contracts....but when I do, I work hard...my clients will want me back...and THAT will help me .

And ppl like you are always there...trying to bring others down pointing to their circumstances....

Do you plan to have children in future? Do you plan to send them to a nursery 8am to 6pm and later to 'alternative arrangements' to make sure you 'accommodate' your clients? Priorities!!!

But as contractors we are supposed to the flexible ones, this is why we demand high rates. If you want to be inflexible, and expect the client to accommodate you rather than you accommodate them then you should seriously think about going back to permie.

I dont know what you do specifically, but what if something you are working on fails at 4:20pm and it must be fixed asap. Does the business have to take that risk (or cost implication) that you walk out as little Timmy needs picking up?

[bluedrop]

And wait...I demand high rates because of my skills. For the kind of jobs where client is the God, there are pleny of IT companies that force their employees to work around the clients demands.....i'll leave those roles to them!
To me, flexibility is a mutual agreement....as in any business....

[nomadd]

I am a domain consultant and a business analyst. Yes little timmy needs to be picked up on time - every single day. Why should I go back to being a permie? I think ppl like you should consider that - your attitude is perfect for being a cribbing manager working for an Indian IT firm constantly trying to turn people into machines...

Do you plan to have children in future? Do you plan to send them to a nursery 8am to 6pm and later to 'alternative arrangements' to make sure you 'accommodate' your clients? Priorities!!!

Very well said. Agree 100%.

Seems that there is too much of the "male testosterone" and "no responsibilities" on display in this thread!

Anyway, to return to the original point of the thread...

It's a quiet time of the year, and the market isn't exactly booming. All you can do is keep plugging away looking for something. Choose your clients carefully, as places like Investment Banks are far less likely to be flexible than, say, a local company outside of The City. Contact previous clients... Set up a LinkedIn group... Apply for anything and everything on Jobserve... Update your CV regularly and post it on the major job sites... Be flexible - maybe a decent permie role may come up with more flexibility and a decent enough salary as to make the contracting not worth it... Etc., etc.

Keep trying, and best of luck.

[d000hg]

You need a client who is understanding you won't however get past an agent with that statement as they will find someone else more qualified. so you have to lie to get past the gatekeeper.

Personally I would use a plan b, friend or house refurbishment to cover some of the last year.

I think lying is a terrible option, but I can see how an agency would make it a problem. I certainly wouldn't volunteer the info to the agent, but if they asked "why aren't you in work" I'd simply say "I had a baby, now I'm ready to return to work".

[northernladuk]

I think lying is a terrible option, but I can see how an agency would make it a problem. I certainly wouldn't volunteer the info to the agent, but if they asked "why aren't you in work" I'd simply say "I had a baby, now I'm ready to return to work".

Ohh congratulations d000hg!! You kept that one quiet. Are you going to put a post in general to tell us???