Accommodation Away

[oliverson]

I think if you're worried about committing to a 6 month term on a rental then the general uncertainty of contracting may not be for you.

I've contracted for 10 years now and only 3 of those were local to my home. I've done hotels, B&B's room shares and rentals. By far the best option is to rent something unless you enjoy and can afford eating out all the time and lugging dirty laundry up and down the country and washing/ironing your clothing on weekends.

It's a lifestyle choice and largely dictated by your own circumstances but those that only contract locally are missing out on some truly remarkable experiences and adventures that working away can bring about. Didn't think so when I was forced to work away 7 years ago but looking back it's been a great time.

[psychocandy]

Even a B&B can be a bit too much, I keep odd hours. If I'm feeling tired I'll crash out at 9pm get up at 4am start working then. If I'm working on a design or something I'll stay in my room till 10:00am. Or work till 1am .... It's the asking if you want breakfast, checking to see if I'm still alive, very annoying.

Few of us did an upgrade once at customer site till 4am in the morning. We'd told the hotel that we were going to be sleeping late but they forgot. Ended up getting knocked awake by housekeeper at 10am. Not happy.

Housekeeper knocked one door, fella still asleep didnt wake. In the end, housekeeper refused to open the door (in case he was dead) and made manager do it. They unlocked the door and mate had just got up and was wandering around with it all hanging out.

[captainham]

Few of us did an upgrade once at customer site till 4am in the morning. We'd told the hotel that we were going to be sleeping late but they forgot. Ended up getting knocked awake by housekeeper at 10am. Not happy.

Housekeeper knocked one door, fella still asleep didnt wake. In the end, housekeeper refused to open the door (in case he was dead) and made manager do it. They unlocked the door and mate had just got up and was wandering around with it all hanging out.

A "mate", eh?

[Batcher]

It's a lifestyle choice and largely dictated by your own circumstances but those that only contract locally are missing out on some truly remarkable experiences and adventures that working away can bring about.

+1

I had a gem of a landlord at a B&B in Yorkshire a while back. He used to drive me the mile and a half to the train station in the morning and would pick me up, if required, in the evening. His wife didn't do the cooking so the other guests would have to wait on him getting back before they got their breakfasts

[Chervil]

I guess I'm really hoping not to be in a single place, away for _that_ long. I know contractors in my city who manage to stay local a bit more than 50% of the time. I certainly expect to be away for 3 or 6 months at a time but I guess a 3 month contract in sunny Glasgow I'm not going to be taking out a lease with a 6 month break with the intention of looking for my next job there too.

Lots of good advice in this thread generally and a few sites I've been looking into for prices / examples so thanks.

[TykeMerc]

Spareroom.com

I had lovely lodgings the last time I used them.

Used this approach for some years, always found good places including the one I'm typing this from

Never had issues with privacy and compared to hotels/B&B's it's much more comfortable. I usually B&B for the 1st week or two while I look at the alternatives and ask the site locals their advice on places to target and avoid.

[MojoDog]

I stayed in a B&B and they filmed a movie whilst I was there. I briefly met Jeremy Irons and Annette Bening . The owner used to manage Status Quo, he had a few parties and some great stories. I met Chris Rea and other rock and roll types. Best bit was the air rifle in the kitchen. If you spotted a pidgeon you were encouraged to take get the rifle and sort it out.

Good times, unlike the mouldy B&B with no heating or the crappy Travelodge in Edinburgh.

My current gig is 200 miles from home. When I was offered it I phoned a likely B&B who said they were full but gave me the details of someone who helped them out. Turned out to be a retired couple who rent me a room for £10 less per night than the B&B (no breakfast but a shelf in the fridge and in a cupboard and free use of the kitchen ) and let me leave stuff (guitar and some books) in the room over the weekend.

We have a chat once a day but I prefer to leave them to their space and hole up in mine. My guitar playing has improved and my novel is coming along a treat!

Would prefer to be closer to home - did my time working away in the military - but this is a good set up; especially since the client allows me to work long days so I can get home on a Thursday evening.

All good, so far

[cojak]

I take my Risa electric uke, it has the advantage of being small, bullet-proof and very quiet if you don't plug it in...

[MojoDog]

Ah fellow guitarist ... What do you travel with? I've got a baby Taylor .... Quite nice that is ...

That IS nice.

I've got an Aria 'silent' guitar that I take with me. A lot less bulky than my steel-bodied resonator

[psychocandy]

Nothing like a good strum.... ;-)