Ever talked about your kids deliberately to gain sympathy over childless colleagues?

[CheeseSlice]

fact is that all other things being equal, a company is likelier to hold onto a married man than a single one.

you can have some too

Not in my experience. If you're a boring fooker, you don't pull your weight, you moan a lot, or you like grassing and stitching people up, your days are numbered.

If you can deliver the goods and more importantly if you get get person who hired you to look good, or get them out of trouble a lot, then you've got a friend for life who will look after you, retain you, and defend the money they spend on you when the vultures come sniffing for potential cost savings. Having an expensive wife and hungry kids will achieve none of the above.

[vetran]

I have seen every type let go across the business, but age tends to be a common factor, I'm one of the oldest in my team.

However I seem to stay as when it all screws up they ask me what I did to break it how to fix it.

[CheeseSlice]

You kidding me. Am surrounded by middle aged male contractors, bitter paying for ex wifey and current wifey, socially awkward weirdos at every bank I have been at.
At least the family oriented predominantly permies have perspective and 'a life' these guys can't get their head around.

You speak truth, but I think you must be a permie

[Gym beast]

I sometimes have to use the family sympathy thing for actual situations where wife is ill and someone has to pick up the kids from school etc.
Another thing is, at the moment is I am the sole provider of income for me, wife and two kids, so the harsh reality is you really don't need the money whereas I simply need the money just to pay the rent and get by.
It would seem sensible socially that in some permanent roles, skills being equal, family oriented people should be given preference, whereas single and adventurous males be allowed contract roles etc and this is largely what's happening.
One way to game the system is too look like a middle-aged family man, normally this won't come out until long after you're hired. Whether you're enjoy talk about nappies and shopping trips is another story.

To be honest mate, though out of principle I shouldn't agree with you getting preference, I sort of do at heart. I tuck away close to three bigguns every month, and still have plenty left for to take my brother and his family out, taxi his wife and kids home, then Sambuca shots more weekends than not. Those nephews/nieces I love but I know what a burden they are. But even if I were married/kids I'd STILL go contracting if possible.


And no, I'm PROUD of being single. I'm proud of still being able to pass as 20-something on a good day. I'm NEVER hiding my footloose badge of honour.

[minestrone]

To be honest mate, though out of principle I shouldn't agree with you getting preference, I sort of do at heart. I tuck away close to three bigguns every month, and still have plenty left for to take my brother and his family out, taxi his wife and kids home, then Sambuca shots more weekends than not. Those nephews/nieces I love but I know what a burden they are. But even if I were married/kids I'd STILL go contracting if possible.


And no, I'm PROUD of being single. I'm proud of still being able to pass as 20-something on a good day. I'm NEVER hiding my footloose badge of honour.

Right, who owns this one?

[CheeseSlice]

Right, who owns this one?

He's real. This guy:

[SimonMac]

fact is that all other things being equal, a company is likelier to hold onto a married man than a single one

This isn't a given, some companies would prefer an employee who isn't distracted by having to leave early as thier kids have parents evening, or kids school is on strike so need a day off etc etc

[Dallas]

You speak truth, but I think you must be a permie

8 th year contracting

[Gym beast]

This isn't a given, some companies would prefer an employee who isn't distracted by having to leave early as thier kids have parents evening, or kids school is on strike so need a day off etc etc

Some, but not MOST.

[d000hg]

"I tuck away close to three bigguns every month"

Is that code?