New Contract Stress

[northernladuk]

Who sees people nowadays? It's all Teams (at least I don't need to remember names that way as they show on screen). Defo harder on teams as those quiet moments can't be filled at the water cooler.

You have to remember peoples names because you may need to refer to them when speaking to others. Starting to sound like a bit of a bell end now.

[ladymuck]

It's the 'oh crap' feeling that keeps me in contracting. If I wanted to be cosy and comfortable I would be in a permie job. I like the steep learning curve of figuring out what the project is about, who I need to be working with and who the clueless management are that I need to avoid.

I too like to turn up with all the proper stationery. I'm less keen on sharing it but I will if needs must

I do dislike the "contractors" who turn up without a laptop or notepad and pen and expect the client to provide it all. Having rarely been given a laptop on day 1, it at least shows willing to work even if their security doesn't allow BYOD.

[vwdan]

I do dislike the "contractors" who turn up without a laptop or notepad and pen and expect the client to provide it all. Having rarely been given a laptop on day 1, it at least shows willing to work even if their security doesn't allow BYOD.

You know, it's never even occurred to me to be an option to turn up without a laptop - I'd feel more comfortable turning up naked. Very very rare I don't have it with me, even if it's just sat in my bag while I use client kit

[xoggoth]

Agree with Kojak. I used to like the excitement of a new place, not just at work but the evenings at new clubs/pubs etc. Almost took me back to my younger days when I used to spend my free time hitchhiking about in Europe or going off on me motorbike with a small tent.

[cojak]

Who sees people nowadays? It's all Teams (at least I don't need to remember names that way as they show on screen). Defo harder on teams as those quiet moments can't be filled at the water cooler.

Then do it virtually with a useful Excel spreadsheet. Log everyone you meet down with their location and title. You’ll be surprised (or not) by people asking for your Relationship spreadsheet ‘cos they don’t know everyone and are too embarrassed to ask.

[kloos]

Then do it virtually with a useful Excel spreadsheet. Log everyone you meet down with their location and title. You’ll be surprised (or not) by people asking for your Relationship spreadsheet ‘cos they don’t know everyone and are too embarrassed to ask.

Defo keep lots of lists. Names, projects, locations, roles etc. I need to do that as I have a genuine blind spot for names so when I'm in the office I draw a mini-map and write who sits where. It all helps to build the picture up and stops you asking dumb questions that someone has already answered.

It's interesting to see the split of people who have responded. Those saying that they love the learning curve and those who kept quiet and liked my first post. Defo two types of people here, but then the world would be boring if we were all the same.

[Gibbon]

And I firmly believe that graciously leaving it at the end of the contract got me repeat business from more than one client.

I miss the office!

Absolutely! Also enables it to work both ways.

I too used to love the excitement of a new contract, before all this CVD crap was hoping to spend my last two years 'on tour'. 6 mnths in SW, 6 in London, 6 in Scotland and then either NI or Wales.

[northernladuk]

It's interesting to see the split of people who have responded. Those saying that they love the learning curve and those who kept quiet and liked my first post. Defo two types of people here, but then the world would be boring if we were all the same.

Liking doesn't necessarily mean people agree. It could be a just a warm internet hug or a friendly like because you are struggling. I also don't see a split. You got one like vs the 9 likes on posts that enjoy the new challenge. You are the only person on the thread on the thread that doesn't like it and the other 17 other posts all seem to like it so Christ knows how you came to that conclusion.

[kloos]

... so Christ knows how you came to that conclusion.

Maybe because I am trying to convince myself that I am not in a lonely oasis of doom.

However... Start of day two and I've moved on from the day one arggg moment. People to see, meetings to set up, documents to read... all good. Doesn't mean that I suddenly like day one of a new contract. But day two isn't so bad

[northernladuk]

Maybe because I am trying to convince myself that I am not in a lonely oasis of doom.

However... Start of day two and I've moved on from the day one arggg moment. People to see, meetings to set up, documents to read... all good. Doesn't mean that I suddenly like day one of a new contract. But day two isn't so bad

Did you get any of these for xmas cause you need it sounds like you need some.