Life on the Bench - An unemployed contractors story

[Sockpuppet]

Another installment in the house of SA and Sockpuppet - Life on The Bench: A Agents Revenge.

Had 2 interviews today.... first were some sort of PAYE Nazis and didnt want to touch Ltds.

The second sprung the novel idea of night time working (even worse mixed days / nights / afternoons in the same week) on me in the interview so I spring the novel idea of a £100/day rate increase on him just to even the sides up.

Both got told the **** off.

Started to take Plan B more seriously as I'm fed up on the inside of my house. Registered with some places for driving work. Got told its a quiet few months for logistics (no ******* tulip...I'd have a new contract if it wasnt). Got the old "your not very qualifield for a driver"....wtf? How many prince 2 practioner, warehouse designing, six sigma analysts with ADR and CPC do you ******* know...

Was astounded by the quality of some agents...

1. Last agent I worked for who the client sang my arsing praises about seemed upset when I phoned him and asked for some leads for work.

2. Was asked how flexible I was on my minimum rate of £200 I was. Agent hung up when I said very as long as I can sleep round your house and you can drive me to work. Otherwise not at all.

All in all a tulip day.

Still got the prospect of some nice 12 monthers coming up where they dont expect you to work for a tulip wage at night.

[stackpole]

You both need cheering up. I was offered another contract today.

[Sockpuppet]

You both need cheering up. I was offered another contract today.

Other than adding you to my list of "must get aquainted with my box of sharp pointy things" not sure how that made me feel any better.

[MarillionFan]

£200 per day.

All agents are the same. When asked are you negotiable on your rate you should ask what there fees are and whats their bottom line.

[Sockpuppet]

£200 per day.

All agents are the same. When asked are you negotiable on your rate you should ask what there fees are and whats their bottom line.

Well he said he was "going to do the sums and phone me back".

Now, as that was yesterday I'm guessing that he is either really stupid or didnt like what he saw.

[SallyAnne]

Dont let them get to you SP - you'll land a job soon, you just have to keep plugging away.

[kramer]

nature of the beast... one day your a lonely sofa surfing fan of trisha... next your a high flying super suited IT messiah.

Hang in SP and keep posting!

[Sockpuppet]

Aye...although this time on the bench is wrecking the finances.... I've just splurged over £6k on training courses

Ok, mostly for plan B and something that doesnt expire or get outdated but still .... humpf.

Its not that I can't get a contract. I'm just living proof of MFs theory that the secnod one is harder as I'm being more pickey.

[Ardesco]

Do hi sums and call you back means he's going to see if he can get somebody else to do it cheaper and you are being placed at the bottom of the pile.

[Sockpuppet]

Do hi sums and call you back means he's going to see if he can get somebody else to do it cheaper and you are being placed at the bottom of the pile.

Ha ha ... fantastic.

He just phoned me back (couldn't get anyone cheaper I think)..

Agent: You're looking at about £200 a day is that right

Me: Yes, thats my minimum. I really want to shoot at £250 no less due to accomidation charges.

Agent: So let me work this out

<sockpuppet hears tapping of calculator>

Agent: 200 times 5 times 52 is £52,000 .. the client (pfizer) cant pay that (read: won't I'm sure pfizer is not short of money)

Agent: well if we look at this as a salart they are looking at a £30,000 maximum

Me: <laughs>

Agent: So what were you on at your last contract

Me: £250 + VAT and expenses

Agent: Ah.... Ok. Lemme take a look.