Working away..

[Mich the Tester]

Wasn't there a guy on here used to use a camper van when working away? I'm often tempted by the idea. Maybe when it is warmer.

I’ve never thought of that but I’ve always fancied the idea of an old VW camper van. Trouble is, most ClientCos in NL won’t let you use their carpark so I’d need public transport from campsite to ClientCo, and that’s often difficult out of town. Shall research further.

[Pondlife]

Generally stay in a reasonable hotel for the first few days/weeks to get the lay of the land and then get a flat depending on the length of the gig.

Otherwise, find somewhere reasonable and work out a rate. It's always worth checking what the client has negotiated.

Edit: I am willing to pay slightly more (per month) for the flat than the hotel just for the better standard of living.

[EternalOptimist]

Generally stay in a reasonable hotel for the first few days/weeks to get the lay of the land and then get a flat depending on the length of the gig.

Otherwise, find somewhere reasonable and work out a rate. It's always worth checking what the client has negotiated.

Edit: I am willing to pay slightly more (per month) for the flat than the hotel just for the better standard of living.

I used to do that but I found that sufficient alcohol can make staying in someones back room tolerable. It's a tulip life though, I will grant you that, but profitable

[landl]

Beware bed bugs!!!

Hi

Just a small word of warning on working away.

On a six month stint working away in Dundee last year, in what was ostensibly quite a luxurious B&B, I was bitten to bits by bed bugs! So bad that I had to throw away luggage and clothes when I got back home at the weekend for fear of infesting the house!

I know this sort of thing is rare (a lot of people think these little beggars are a myth for bed time stories), but it really is worth trying to avoid. When you first get into a room, check the sheets and pillow covers for either small blood spots, smears or what look like small black ink spots. If you see anything like that, refuse to stay in the room. You'll be saving yourself a lot of hassle!

Other than that, working away can be fun and a great oppotunity to see new places at someone else's expense. Enjoy!

There ends the public health announcement.

L

[Purple Dalek]

Generally stay in a reasonable hotel for the first few days/weeks to get the lay of the land and then get a flat depending on the length of the gig.

Otherwise, find somewhere reasonable and work out a rate. It's always worth checking what the client has negotiated.

Edit: I am willing to pay slightly more (per month) for the flat than the hotel just for the better standard of living.

Often, although not a fixed rule, you'll find a B&B cheaper than a flat all things considered. First off there is the council tax, none of that on B&B. Then there is the letting agent hanging onto your deposit for often bogus reasons (a guy here has just had that for a problem existing when he moved in). You can often claim against your tax for a B&B, but not an apartment. All the messing with paperwork costs time...

[Francko]

I am working away from the troubles of my life,

I am working away oh to find a better day,

I am working away...

[Mr Crosby]

It ****s your marrage up as well after a while.

[Pondlife]

Often, although not a fixed rule, you'll find a B&B cheaper than a flat all things considered. First off there is the council tax, none of that on B&B. Then there is the letting agent hanging onto your deposit for often bogus reasons (a guy here has just had that for a problem existing when he moved in). You can often claim against your tax for a B&B, but not an apartment. All the messing with paperwork costs time...

All very valid. I factor the total cost of the flat when budgeting. i.e. broadband, elec, council tax etc and definitely prefer it if I can get an all in rate so it's just the one contract.

It's just a personal thing I guess. I find 'my own place' a more comfortable environment of an evening and like being able to prepare my own food.

[expat]

All very valid. I factor the total cost of the flat when budgeting. i.e. broadband, elec, council tax etc and definitely prefer it if I can get an all in rate so it's just the one contract.

It's just a personal thing I guess. I find 'my own place' a more comfortable environment of an evening and like being able to prepare my own food.

I balance the greater comfort of your own place versus the laziness of hotel + restaurants (though it does ruin the waistline). A laptop, a book, and a drink are much the same in either.

However, when I am in a flat my OH is more likely to come and spend some weekends over with me rather than me having to commute home. This gives us some time away, a bit of variety (you don't see the same things in the working week), and saves me a commute - and lets her see what a pig the commute is that I do every week.

[Pogle]

It ****s your marrage up as well after a while.

Yes, you do have to make certain that your partners is OK with it and understands that you will not be out every night having fun.