Taking time off contract

[Batcher]

+1

Doesn't cause any bother for me. I just take the call at the desk. If they ask about my contract end date I tell them that, and if they start taking about roles, skills and locations I discuss, but if they query day rates, I only tell them that by email.

Another problem is that I get so many calls that are irrelevant, so constantly sneaking off to take a call about one of these roles is an utter waste of time.

+1

If they ask about rates I usually say something like "I can't talk about that at the moment" or "it depends on a number of factors" so no-one around me can listen in. I hate giving a rate off the top of my head anyway without investigating the cost of travel & hotels in the area of the ClientCo.

I just tell them to send me the job spec with the details I need to work out my costs so I can figure out a rate.

[CheeseSlice]

Depends on what you are saying

Sometimes it doesn't hurt to be overheard in the office saying "well, my contract runs out next Friday, so send me the details as I might be available" can spur the client into sorting out renewal paperwork.

+1

Doesn't cause any bother for me. I just take the call at the desk. If they ask about my contract end date I tell them that, and if they start taking about roles, skills and locations I discuss, but if they query day rates, I only tell them that by email.

Another problem is that I get so many calls that are irrelevant, so constantly sneaking off to take a call about one of these roles is an utter waste of time.

[TheFaQQer]

IMHO talking to agents in office in earshot is bad idea indeed.

Depends on what you are saying

Sometimes it doesn't hurt to be overheard in the office saying "well, my contract runs out next Friday, so send me the details as I might be available" can spur the client into sorting out renewal paperwork.

[psychocandy]

Generally, dont take ANY calls on mobile at my desk (open plan busy office) so deffo no calls from agencies. Thats what voice mail is for.

I will sometimes step outside and listen to voicemail/call them back or I will leave until lunchtime/end of day.

Phone interviews try to get lunchtime. Face-to-face first thing/last thing so I can possibly just turn up late/leave early one day. (Tell client doctor/dentist appt if they ask).

IMHO talking to agents in office in earshot is bad idea indeed.

[RSoles]

i would not worry the bobs spend hours on the phone everyday and clients dont seem to care

I have to say I've seen this. Even to the extent of managing a coffee shop by phone.

I'm too old to be afraid of bench time between contracts.

[mrdonuts]

i would not worry the bobs spend hours on the phone everyday and clients dont seem to care

[BolshieBastard]

Bench time never bothered me so only started looking in the final week or after I'd finished.

Didn't take time off during contracts so the search time was a welcome break.

[northernladuk]

Now we know NLUK's rate is 400 per day

My client doesn't do half days. It's a whole day or nothing

[northernladyuk]

Now we know NLUK's rate is 400 per day

He likes to take the whole week off for preparation.

[Eirikur]

Losing 200 quid to secure 30k + future work is hardly a sacrifice. It's goods business.

Now we know NLUK's rate is 400 per day

[CheeseSlice]

Your running a business sometimes you need to sacrifice a days pay to secure further work. That being said I have worked with contractors who are constantly fielding agency calls at their desk which tends to piss the client off.

Happens to me all of the time when I start a new contract. Also happens mid-contract even when I'm not looking for a role, but the market heats up.
Is the clientco annoyed? I don't care, but what I think it does say is that this contractor is reassuringly in demand.

edit: I must add that I don't spend long on each call, its just a case of "I'm not looking, sorry"

[northernladuk]

Losing 200 quid to secure 30k + future work is hardly a sacrifice. It's goods business.

I only look for roles in the last 2 weeks of a gig. Even that can be too long when they want quick interview and immediate start. I plan my first interviews to be after I have finished unless something rather juicy comes up.

[TheLordDave]

Your running a business sometimes you need to sacrifice a days pay to secure further work. That being said I have worked with contractors who are constantly fielding agency calls at their desk which tends to piss the client off.

[maxedvolume]

To avoid bench time, you'd most likely be looking for your next role whilst you are currently in one.

How do you get away with not pissing off the client? Taking regular phone calls from pimps, taking time off work, sneaking out for a long time for telephone interview...

Taking time off work is probably the hardest thing... sacrificing half a day of rate.

Is this somewhat expected if you are a contractor?