Time on the bench

[b0redom]

Everyone bangs on about this, but personally I've only been benched for about 5 days (when I've wanted to be working). What's the longest period you've been benched for?

[TheFaQQer]

Define "benched".

I had a stint of seven months between contracts once. Some of that time was time I wanted to be working and didn't, some was time when I didn't want to be working so didn't look, and some of that time I was on holiday so couldn't work even if I wanted to and work was available.

I've always defined that as being seven months benched, though.

[b0redom]

Well I guess unable to find work. I've seen lots of people saying that they've been unable to find work for months on end.

I don't think I have any particularly niche skills, but I've never been in that situation.

I am based in west London though, so I have the M3/M4 corridor on my doorstep and and work in town too.

[northernladuk]

I would say being benched is out of work but available and actively searching personally.

[quackhandle]

I would say being benched is out of work but available and actively searching personally.

This. Can't say I have physically ended a contract to take time off/holiday, but I try to enjoy and bench time all the same (time spend with kids, etc) but always with one eye on the warchest and the job search sites.

qh

[jmo21]

Define "benched".

I had a stint of seven months between contracts once. Some of that time was time I wanted to be working and didn't, some was time when I didn't want to be working so didn't look, and some of that time I was on holiday so couldn't work even if I wanted to and work was available.

I've always defined that as being seven months benched, though.

I'd say "benched" is when you are actively looking but can't find anything.

Anything else is holiday time!

That being said, that will not be how most agents sees it. All they see is time not working.

[TheFaQQer]

I'd say "benched" is when you are actively looking but can't find anything.

Anything else is holiday time!

That being said, that will not be how most agents sees it. All they see is time not working.

In that case, I've never been benched. I'm not particularly active when I'm in contract, never mind when I don't have to go to work.

[jmo21]

Some of that time was time I wanted to be working and didn't

In that case, I've never been benched. I'm not particularly active when I'm in contract, never mind when I don't have to go to work.

Never, eva??

Lucky you!

[BolshieBastard]

I think the question is flawed or rather narrowly defined.

If you live and work in London, I'd imagine its harder to find yourself on the bench at all unless by choice. I mean, if you cant find work in an area of Europe with one of the largest economies, well, I think something is amiss.

In contrast, North of Watford, you'll find opportunities dropping off so the chances of being on the bench increase. This morning on jobswerve, barcrap have 5 roles advertised. These range from manager down to analyst. They are all permie roles.

This time last year, those roles would have been advertised as contract.

[b0redom]

I think the question is flawed or rather narrowly defined.

I don't. I don't really care where people live. I'm more interested in how long people have been on the bench. I presume if people have been benched for long enough they'd take a contract elsewhere anyway.