Staying away and families

[flambo]

Just wondering how many here have family but work location means they have to stay away in the week.

I ask as my contract is coming up shortly and as I live in London that's all I've really looked at location wise. But, based on the tulipty state of the market I may have to be more flexible.

[MyUserName]

I do not do that and would not unless there was a gun to my head. I even took a 70ppd cut for a gig which was 20 minutes from home rather than an hour and a half.

However, some people do and they make it work. Apparently the 'secret' is to make sure that the weekends are completely family focussed and you really make the most of that time.

[psychocandy]

Not my bag either staying away and staying in a hotel mon-fri....

BUT needs must I guess if theres no work but I'd take a lesser rate to be home every night.

[kevpuk]

Well, my first gig is in London, but we live in Bournemouth......won't pretend that being away from wife and children Mon-Fri is fine, but the masterplan dictates this as a necessary evil for the time being.
In a perfect world - and, ironically, since starting this I actually got wind of a similar role more or less on my doorstep and for slightly more money! - location could be closer to home, but we are finding that it works (for now!).
Admittedly, were I in a hotel Mon-Fri each week it would not be so good, but I have sorted a really nice accommodation deal, about a 2 min walk to Client's office, and could not have 'landed on my feet' better

[Antman]

I'm doing this. Best advice is to sit down with the wife and talk about how this will look like once you start doing it. When will you be home, how long is the contract for, will there be work from home?

I would add is that when you start doing this, don't think that you can bail when you find something closer to home, if you believe in the power of linkedin and networking, it'll come back to bite you.

[kevpuk]

I actually have no reservations about being away for this 6 month term, and if the next gig requires the same then so be it. I guess I am a little careful about location - I 'turned down' a Warrington gig shortly before this one as it would have involved another night away, which would have been too much. That said, when the time comes....
As things stand, I can put in the hours Mon-Thu and get out at a sensible time on Friday to make a decent weekend

[BolshieBastard]

Just wondering how many here have family but work location means they have to stay away in the week.

I ask as my contract is coming up shortly and as I live in London that's all I've really looked at location wise. But, based on the tulipty state of the market I may have to be more flexible.

If you think the market is tulip in London, you've a big wake up coming for the rest of the country!

[psychocandy]

Well, my first gig is in London, but we live in Bournemouth......won't pretend that being away from wife and children Mon-Fri is fine, but the masterplan dictates this as a necessary evil for the time being.
In a perfect world - and, ironically, since starting this I actually got wind of a similar role more or less on my doorstep and for slightly more money! - location could be closer to home, but we are finding that it works (for now!).
Admittedly, were I in a hotel Mon-Fri each week it would not be so good, but I have sorted a really nice accommodation deal, about a 2 min walk to Client's office, and could not have 'landed on my feet' better

I've got a mate who commutes (admitedly only 3 days a week) to North london on the train. Bit nuts I must admit....

[kingcook]

Just wondering how many here have family but work location means they have to stay away in the week.

I ask as my contract is coming up shortly and as I live in London that's all I've really looked at location wise. But, based on the tulipty state of the market I may have to be more flexible.

I've done it for all of last year. I almost got to meet all of the Travelodge's employees families! (joke).

I'd arrive at client co early afternoon on Monday and leave early afternoon on Friday, working extra hours on Tu/We/Th.

Also like MyUserName says, spend lots of time with the family at weekends, going special places, etc. I got a bit lax with that at times though, with having a bit of DIY to work on

[Pogle]

Just wondering how many here have family but work location means they have to stay away in the week.

I ask as my contract is coming up shortly and as I live in London that's all I've really looked at location wise. But, based on the tulipty state of the market I may have to be more flexible.

I always have to work away as i seem destined to never get a local contract
The secret is to start out working away for the week, then having made yourself indispensable ask about the possability of working from home at the first renewal. I usually manage to get Friday working from home, my current contract has been going on a long time >3years and I currently work from home on Mon and Fri, so only two nights away from home.
However I dont take the p and I do put in the hours at home and dont treat it as a day off!