Taking on an X month contract when you have holidays booked

[BradMcA]

I guess this is out of order?, two week holiday in 2 months already paid for - potential 5 month contract coming up.

[eek]

I guess this is out of order?, two week holiday in 2 months already paid for - potential 5 month contract coming up.

You tell them and let them decide if it would be an issue. Possibly discuss project timescales and see what the impact is

[RetSet]

Tell them about the holiday, and offer to cancel it, if client is willing, subject to client covering the cost.

Client then magically finds the holiday isn't a problem.

[Scruff]

I take a 4 week holiday in SA every year, and have done so for the past 13 years and so far, it has never been a problem? I always inform the end-client.

[lukemg]

In 2 months time ? I know clients always big the job up at interview, a month later you are thinking, is that all you need me to do ?
If the hols was in the first month, then I would be very upfront. 2 months out I would probably let them know during the honeymoon first week.
I would under no circumstances offer to cancel and if they want to be total arses and go through the rounds of hiring someone else (who probably takes holidays too) then might be best if I don't work there.
HTH

[psychocandy]

Tell them about the holiday, and offer to cancel it, if client is willing, subject to client covering the cost.

Client then magically finds the holiday isn't a problem.

Yeh. Also make sure you get client to pay for your nuts to be sewn back on if they do go for it when your Mrs (if existing) lops them off when you tell her theres no holiday now! :-)

[psychocandy]

In 2 months time ? I know clients always big the job up at interview, a month later you are thinking, is that all you need me to do ?
If the hols was in the first month, then I would be very upfront. 2 months out I would probably let them know during the honeymoon first week.
I would under no circumstances offer to cancel and if they want to be total arses and go through the rounds of hiring someone else (who probably takes holidays too) then might be best if I don't work there.
HTH

Two approaches IMHO.

1. Tell them upfront before you start. This means theres no arguing about at the time then. Potential problem with this is they might get the idea in their head that they don't want you now so you lose the gig.

2. Unless they ask don't tell them. Then when you do start mention it to them that you're away. (Note, I would only do this if holiday was a few months away not like next week). Might be pissed off. If they get funny then decide what you want to do - i.e. cancel holiday, tell client tough and can the gig if needs be.

Work to live not live to work...

[scooterscot]

Good grief, it's like amateur morning in here.

Add the two unpaid weeks to the end of the five months.

[BigRed]

^WHS

One three month contract I did they said they would love to renew but couldn't get the budget signed off, I then offered to do a 1 week extension based on the 5 days I'd taken off in the 3 months.

[curtis]

I always pre book my hols each year sometimes they will fall in a contract sometimes they won't.

I never tell the agency if I speak to them and will always mention it at the interview at the end therefore if its an issue then the don't hire me if it isn't then they do.

I would never cancel my holiday this wins everytime over a contract.