Leave / holidays while contracted

[cojak]

Quite.

I informed the client that I would be unavailable but since the PM is French he thought it impossible that I wouldn't have time booked off in August - he did!

[psychocandy]

I have had a fair amount of bench time in the last few years so I am a bit reluctant to take other time off but I still do it.
I am just a bit more aware of making sure it is for a good reason and must admit the break always does me good.
The loss of revenue stings a bit but loss of relationship might sting too !!

Exactly. No amount of grief from client even comes close to the amount of grief from the Mrs.

[psychocandy]

Quite.

I informed the client that I would be unavailable but since the PM is French he thought it impossible that I wouldn't have time booked off in August - he did!

Usually the French (And in fact most europeans) find it impossible that anyone works past 4pm!

[Jase]

Cant believe the attitude of some people here but, hey, each to his own.

I’m impressed with the work ethic of some people on here! Obviously everyone has their own motivations, but one thing I love about contracting is not having to worry about annual leave restrictions. For me, five weeks is not enough and contracting gives me the flexibility to have more, not less. Timing can be a little problematic but that is a small price to pay.

[the_rangdo]

For me, five weeks is not enough

+1

[Kelstar]

I took nine weeks off in my last company financial year. I have to say I'm far happier and nicer to be around as a result

Kept clients happy, I think that there is a difference between asking permission and having a conversation to discuss holiday time. I guess its how you word it....

[kaiser78]

Speaking of which I am off for a week of all inclusive bliss in North Africa next week...

[psychocandy]

I took nine weeks off in my last company financial year. I have to say I'm far happier and nicer to be around as a result

Kept clients happy, I think that there is a difference between asking permission and having a conversation to discuss holiday time. I guess its how you word it....

Fair does - do whatever keeps you and you're warchest happy....

Agree with you about the clients. Keep them happy if you can but dont let them decide how it works.

[IR35FanClub]

I started contracting so I wasn't constrained by the bank holidays plus 4 weeks you typically get when permie. I don't usually take holiday in the first 3 months of a contract unless it's prebooked. If I've been there a year I'd expect to have taken 2-3 weeks. After that I'll be thinking of leaving to take an extended break between contracts before I get too comfy at the same place.

Unfortunately my original plans of extended travel haven't yet materialised, maybe next year. Just like the idea of getting out of IT, or working in an office.

And yes - ASKING the client if you can take holiday. Really, that's a bit silly. I've got used to TELLING them. The first few contracts I did I was always a little nervous about telling people - after years of having to get it approved. But now I sometimes see the look of surprise on the clients face when I come in and announce I've got some holiday booked 3 months ahead and won't be coming in. Is as if they are expecting me to say "are you ok with that?".