"Long Distance" Contracting

[Antman]

Hi,

Apropos to what you just said about the right reasons to go contracting, one of the "advantages" of indenture sorry permiedom, from the way I see it, is that there is an implicit contract of "I'm putting my career into your hands to manage for me and I'll work the hours".

I know when I'm ready to do something new and I don't need to convince a line-manager or play silly buggers with some HR appraisal form to do that. It's a very liberating feeling to not be dependent on somebody else for this but also very powerful because it's made me focus on what I really want to do in the future (now I pay for my own training etc.)

This more than the money (the wife spends that) makes me happy being a contractor, master of your own destiny n all that.

[SimonMac]

I contract away from home, and if this is a trend that continues I may soon be fooked! But during the interviews when ever location comes up I mentioned that I have been working away for a while (granted not applicable in your scenario but once you get the first gig under your belt its something to think about). I also make it clear that I stay in digs rather than a hotel when I am away, and then try and turn it into a positive. If I limited myself to just one location I would miss out on opportunities like this....

There is also the elephant in the room, there is a chance the agent is talking rubbish and the other guy was cheaper, or available sooner than August and this might be an easier excuse.

[SimonMac]

10 weeks to go until my notice period expires and I'm officially unemployed - must get on instead of posting here

The seasoned contractors can do both equally bad!

[kingcook]

Indeed it does. Just had a call checking my availability, agent says (another) new contractor has mailed them this morning to say they dont like the 50 mile commute (by rail!) so are not continuing with the contract. What. The. F...!

The sound of this just makes me want to cream my pants!!!

[ThomserveBAS]

or available sooner than August and this might be an easier excuse.

I'm actually available now, and the client knew that, but point taken

[SimonMac]

Indeed it does. Just had a call checking my availability, agent says (another) new contractor has mailed them this morning to say they dont like the 50 mile commute (by rail!) so are not continuing with the contract. What. The. F...!

My first contract was 160 mile away and I stayed in a tiny B&B for the first week. Moved to a better place afterwards but, it seems some newbies arent cut out for it.

Tell them to stuck to their guns and send the agent your CV :

[psychocandy]

Thing is though I can see a clients point of view a bit...

OK, so you get a contract away from home. Mon-Fri in a B&B. Away from kids and family etc.

Another contract comes up 20 mins from home. Same rate. Same work. Wouldn't be tempted?

[bobspud]

Thing is though I can see a clients point of view a bit...

OK, so you get a contract away from home. Mon-Fri in a B&B. Away from kids and family etc.

Another contract comes up 20 mins from home. Same rate. Same work. Wouldn't be tempted?

Hell fscking no! Most of my best contracts are placed at the opposite end of the country on purpose!!! I have been working at home for the best part of a year now and can't wait for my next role in London. ( wife says the same thing as well...)

[bless 'em all]

Thing is though I can see a clients point of view a bit...

OK, so you get a contract away from home. Mon-Fri in a B&B. Away from kids and family etc.

Another contract comes up 20 mins from home. Same rate. Same work. Wouldn't be tempted?

After more than 5 years of staying away during the week I don't know how I'd cope with being with the wife & kids all week.

I don't deliberately look for gigs that require staying away ... I'm just lucky I guess.

[psychocandy]

After more than 5 years of staying away during the week I don't know how I'd cope with being with the wife & kids all week.

I don't deliberately look for gigs that require staying away ... I'm just lucky I guess.

Each to his own and that, and sometimes I agree the peace and quiet would be nice. But stuck in a hotel on your tod eating takeaway food hmmm.....