Attitude to working hours

[kingcook]

My approach during interview stage is to ask about remote access protocols so the client is well aware that I intend working the majority of the time off-site.

Sell the benefits that brings i.e. when very early starts or late finishes are required I'm flexible and take project deadlines very seriously and committed to delivering results (whilst pointing out my track record).

And 2 hours per day stuck in rush hour traffic is very unproductive.

I too bring up the topic of VPN.

It's always met with a "we don't have VPN" or similar.

[GillsMan]

Good if you can swing it but IMHO its a no go for a LOT of clients....

I guess it depends on what you do though. Some work means you really do need to be in the office 9-5. Other types of work lends itself to working remotely. As an e-learning developer and implementation specialist in a couple of SaaS internet-based solutions, I've found that traditionally inflexible clients (e.g. Barclays, BP) have allowed me to work almost entirely from home. In my 10 months at Barclays, I was in their office probably no more than 10% of my time. And that was even less at BP. So I'm quite lucky in that my work either requires specialist software - which I have on my computer (and it's easier/quicker to develop e-learning on my computer with all my resources + a large monitor than to do it on a crappy client-supplied laptop) - or it's all online so there's no good reason for me to be in their office.

[oscarose]

Good if you can swing it but IMHO its a no go for a LOT of clients....

Well, I don't tell the builder he has to work 9-5. I want to good job doing.

The client can decide if they want a disguised employer or an independent contractor.

[GillsMan]

Well, I don't tell the builder he has to work 9-5. I want to good job doing.

The client can decide if they want a disguised employer or an independent contractor.

Some of my clients are so disorganised that I sometimes feel like a disguised employer!

[northernladuk]

I guess it depends on what you do though. Some work means you really do need to be in the office 9-5. Other types of work lends itself to working remotely. As an e-learning developer and implementation specialist in a couple of SaaS internet-based solutions, I've found that traditionally inflexible clients (e.g. Barclays, BP) have allowed me to work almost entirely from home. In my 10 months at Barclays, I was in their office probably no more than 10% of my time. And that was even less at BP. So I'm quite lucky in that my work either requires specialist software - which I have on my computer (and it's easier/quicker to develop e-learning on my computer with all my resources + a large monitor than to do it on a crappy client-supplied laptop) - or it's all online so there's no good reason for me to be in their office.

And it can depend on the client manager as well. I have worked in two groups sitting on the desks in the next bay and one was totally open with WFH, the other manager hated it and you had to have a good reason you had to.

[psychocandy]

And it can depend on the client manager as well. I have worked in two groups sitting on the desks in the next bay and one was totally open with WFH, the other manager hated it and you had to have a good reason you had to.

Yep. Still managers out there who immediately think 'skiving contractor'

[jmo21]

I think it depends on the role, project and what needs doing. I've done contracts where I came in on a Monday at 10:00 and left at 18:00 on a Thursday, with 50 hours on the clock. Other ones have been 9-5's, with days working at home.

As everyone says its about delivering the goods. My view is if the client needs me to work late/weekends, or just attend a meeting at that starts at 18:00 I'm ok with that. When it moves into piss taking territory I take action to either get days in lieu or I just don't renew. At the end of the day you are a contractor and you do have choices.

I'm comfortable with this approach and it works for me.

You misunderstood my post I think.

What you say is fine, but Tarbera, who I quoted, basically said a 37.5 hour week would get me fired by him. That it is somehow not normal.

I would say what you describe is NOT normal. And that is OK, if any client wants that, and you are ok to do, wire in.

[kevpuk]

My current contract refers to Normal Working Day......but then goes on to state 0-4hrs equates to half-day, 5+hrs = full day
However, I suspect I wouldn't last too long if I started disappearing after 5hrs every day, whilst billing full day
Permies work to 7.25hr day in general, I tend to stick in close to 8 midweek, with shorter days on Mon & Fri when commuting from Kevpuk Towers