How to Approach 'Paternity' Time Off With Potential Clients?

[Sparky1]

Hi all,

I finish my current (and first) contract at the end of July. At this point my family and I are relocating to Bristol - just a month or so before our first baby is due (mid Sept). I want to take time out (2-3 weeks) when the baby arrives (I can't call it paternity leave really - its classed as time off!).

Just wondering, in the next few weeks as I search for new contracts starting in August - how should I approach things when applying for contract jobs? - Do I just mention during application process that I'd want that time off when the baby does arrive and HOPE the client is ok with it - even though it might damage my chances of getting roles? Is this wishful thinking? Do I just write off the next 2 months and apply for jobs after the baby arrives?

I guess its a 'moveable holiday' in terms of any potential client - they just don't know exactly when, but I assume it would be the same with their permies taking paternity leave.

Having the time off when the baby comes is definitely the first priority but if some clients are open/flexible about stuff like this, I'd like still maximise my work/pay in August/half Sept as you'd expect.

I'm also concerned that if I leave it until October to get looking for jobs, I start heading into the quiet job market in the run up to xmas so ideally looking for your thoughts about best way to approach this.

Thanks all

[SueEllen]

Tell the client NOT the agency at interview the baby is due at the beginning of October and you are taking holiday then, so when s/he turns up a week or so "early" act surprised. Remember babies don't turn up on time.

[d000hg]

I'd be tempted to wait until they offer it to you, and then yes talk to the client. It really depends what the work is whether this is something they will be happy, or not really accept. If you're there for a 3 month time-sensitive gig and you want to take 3 weeks off, you can see in their shoes you'd be pretty unimpressed!

[jmo21]

I'd be tempted to wait until they offer it to you, and then yes talk to the client. It really depends what the work is whether this is something they will be happy, or not really accept. If you're there for a 3 month time-sensitive gig and you want to take 3 weeks off, you can see in their shoes you'd be pretty unimpressed!

This. In fact, not just tempted, I wouldn't tell the agent.

They get so many applications for roles, they don't want anything to put off the end client, or in any way jeopardise their commission. They want their man/woman in the contract with no fuss.

Even though I suspect most clients would not have an issue with it (assuming it's not a short 1 month contract of course), agents will be happy to have any reason to whittle down the list of people to forward.

[TheFaQQer]

Tell the client, not the agent.

If the client doesn't understand that you will need a couple of weeks with your newborn, then you may not want to work with them anyway.

When I was in the same position, I told the client and had two weeks at home when she arrived - I provided free phone contact in emergencies as they were planning a release during that time, which amounted to one call to help plan the release.

[northernladuk]

If the client doesn't understand that you will need a couple of weeks with your newborn, then you may not want to work with them anyway.

I don't agree with this at all. He might understand but if he is in a situation he needs a resource to complete a piece of work in a set timescale the arrangement just doesn't work. Nothing to do with the clients attitude and if they are worth working for.

[TheFaQQer]

I don't agree with this at all.

You wouldn't tell the client? You would tell the agent?

[northernladuk]

You wouldn't tell the client? You would tell the agent?

No. That's a no brainer. Am with you on that one. Edited that bit out of my quote.

[TheFaQQer]

I don't agree with this at all. He might understand but if he is in a situation he needs a resource to complete a piece of work in a set timescale the arrangement just doesn't work. Nothing to do with the clients attitude and if they are worth working for.

I wouldn't (and didn't) want to be working with a client who expected me to prioritise their project over my family life. They knew the situation from the start and accepted it - if they had said "that won't work because we have to complete the work within that timescale" then I wouldn't have chosen to work with them.

[kal]

Tough one I would be tempted to not apply for any roles around that time but it all depends on your financial situation. I delayed going contracting for 12 months due to my 2nd child being born, she came early and was in intensive care for a month so have never been more grateful for the time off (with full pay) that my employer gave me