what to do?

[Peoplesoft bloke]

6 weeks is not short notice for contract resource. I'll have people working this coming weekend and which resource that will be will depend on tomorrow's progress. Them's the rules and they are made clear to any potential new joiner.

That's all fine - as I said, my preference would be not to work in such circumstances - I am lucky that I am able to negotiate my way around it - I do work weekends, but not frequently and certainly not at short notice - if that means I don't get a job on your project, that's fair enough - you're the boss and I'm just a resource.

[chef]

Alternatively, give the PM the treatment that PMs normally get:

• No.
• Call yourself a project manager? A real project manager checks the availability of resource before agreeing a plan.
• What do you think you're playing at, assuming people have no life outside work?
• You don't pay us to be on call, so don't assume we are.
• I'm a contractor, not a permie. I have a life.
• How long have you known about this? If you had been managing the project properly you'd have known months ago. Why I should I change my plans to cover up your incompetence?
• I'll phone my gf and you can explain to her why she has to go to <location> on her own.

love it, best reply so far

[vetran]

RC talks sense.

A polite whats it worth? I can be flexible will work wonders.

Trust me GF chef is worth her weight in gold, its just working out how much gold will win her around. Antigua or the Maldives are a good call and what making the big money is about, and if she is worth it she will agree (reluctantly and expensively).

You have plans, they are making plans - compromise.

[Pondlife]

You have plans, they are making plans - compromise.

This is it IMHO

This should never be about "how much will you pay me for Sat" as it's a ridiculous short term view and pisses people (clients) off. This is about the potential for REAL future work and reputation.

If you think there's a genuine concern about the project and you being away will actually cause an increase in this risk then make a judgement call.

If it's a "we want everyone available" blanket request explain that this is not an option and v. politely explain that this is not your issue just bad planning. Although if the go-live date is being communicated 2 weeks ahead of time..... Feck 'em.

[Scrag Meister]

have you tried talking it over with her instead of a bunch of internet agony aunts?

WHS

[EternalOptimist]

If this is customer driven, the PM might be in just as much of a fix as you are. He would be appreciative of the support of his team, so work the weekend. It will help enormously in the future. And gf Chef ? Women are just as savvy as the blokes when it comes to making good economic decisions. Except when it comes to romance, when they can let their heart rule their head, so as its a romantic weekend, I would tell the PM that you cant do it.
definately

[norrahe]

Lots of good points, speak to your PM before you speak to GFChef.

Sound them out if they are not going to budge then pray GFChef is understanding.

[lukemg]

Don't make the mistake of thinking your project is changing the world. You are more than likely chucking out a software release that does the same as the current one.
Tell them sorry, you can't make it you have plans but would be more than happy to be available for phone calls, if you are any good you can assist on that basis with some code monkey pressing the buttons. You WONT get called.
2 things are most likely to happen if you cancel gf w/end -
1 - Rollout gets delayed again and the weekend becomes free.
2 - You go in for it and sit around waiting for problems to resolve (NYD 2000). Nothing happens, you regret it.
Say no - if you are any good it wont affect future work.

[northernladuk]

How about explaining you have to work due to the politics and have to say yes but...... as it is extra dosh (I presume you are billing for it!) and spoilt her weekend you could offer to treat her to the full amount of what you billed that day to make the next one super special.

Won't hurt the pocket as it is extra dosh
She is over the moon she gets to spend a couple of 100 quid on a better weekend
Client is happy, Mr Chef get his oats and Ms Chef has a great weekend.

Sorted.

[krytonsheep]

client has asked for me to work on a saturday

How is one Saturdays work going to change anything? Surely the release will be late anyway?