Reply to: Been at client 12 months - WFH approach?

[NibblyPig]

I was asked to renew, told them I liked the job but the commute was a killer, so I said I'll renew for a month (since the project release date was pushed back a month) but after that I can't stay anymore without remote working.

I mentioned it once when I joined, and they said nope impossible. After a month when they appreciated my value and I explained, they tried quite hard to see if they could do it, but it wasn't possible.

It probably depends on your value and if their infrastructure will support it.

[oliverson]

Decent gig but its value would increase 100% for me if they'd only allow WFH even one day per week.
Its a hell of a trek every day /stay over so even one day where Im home and/or not got massive commute would make a difference. Family situation also makes things difficult.

But even the permies can rarely swing it due to one hard ass manager. Although the senior guy is happy, the fella in between is dead against and hes tends not to overrule him.

Been there a while so they know I know my tulip and dont take the piss. How to politely tell them, yeh I want to stay but only if you agree to this WFH idea one day per week....

Don;t really want to come on too strong and demand it....

I really can't believe you've left it 12 months before considering asking the question. A lot of this depends on location. In London it's pretty much a way of life. I think HSBC even 'insist' upon 1 day a week WFH due to office space constraints. I've just recently completed a contract out of town at some backwater and even they wouldn't rule it out but I understand that's pretty exceptional in some parts. I turned down a £ 650/day offer a couple of months back because the guy was playing hard to get with the 1 day WFH despite it being available to other members of his team. Due to personal circumstances I just needed a cast iron guarantee. Idiotic decision put his schedule out a couple of months. Work that one out.

[kingcook]

If the travel is the killer more than the rate, have you considered just working 4 days a week?

...after increasing one's rate by 25%

[MrMarkyMark]

I just started a new contract far away from home and negotiated a late start on a Monday and wfh on a Friday. I didn't think they'd agree, but they did. I was prepared to let it go though, had they not agreed.

And this is what it is all about, negotiation.
I dispair when I read on here, the number of people that fail to do this and then moan after.

[hydraulicwave]

I just started a new contract far away from home and negotiated a late start on a Monday and wfh on a Friday. I didn't think they'd agree, but they did. I was prepared to let it go though, had they not agreed.

[BolshieBastard]

Decent gig but its value would increase 100% for me if they'd only allow WFH even one day per week.
Its a hell of a trek every day /stay over so even one day where Im home and/or not got massive commute would make a difference. Family situation also makes things difficult.

But even the permies can rarely swing it due to one hard ass manager. Although the senior guy is happy, the fella in between is dead against and hes tends not to overrule him.

Been there a while so they know I know my tulip and dont take the piss. How to politely tell them, yeh I want to stay but only if you agree to this WFH idea one day per week....

Don;t really want to come on too strong and demand it....

As has been said, the only way you'll get this is as part of renegotiations for an extension and making it clear you will not sign if its not included. Forget the 'you dont take the piss line,' that'll cut no ice.

[MicrosoftBob]

Even if you manage to secure it you will piss off the permits who will start whining and any practices negotiated will dry up.

This in spades, got the ok from client manager to WFH where necessary, but have to make it not too often lest the permies get upset

Be vocal about why you need to WFH particular days will help, but try not to do it more than the permies it is a minefield

[d000hg]

If the travel is the killer more than the rate, have you considered just working 4 days a week?

[MrMarkyMark]

What's the point in posting from a different account (or even having more than one account on here)?

So you can be even more tedious than your real accounts postings

[SlipTheJab]

You had to ask

What's the point in posting from a different account (or even having more than one account on here)?

[borderreiver]

Call me a cynic but the grammar and tone of this question sounds very like PCs regular tales of woe... are you him?

If it's not PC, it's his twin brother ...

[MrMarkyMark]

Call me a cynic but the grammar and tone of this question sounds very like PCs regular tales of woe... are you him?

You had to ask

[SlipTheJab]

Decent gig but its value would increase 100% for me if they'd only allow WFH even one day per week.
Its a hell of a trek every day /stay over so even one day where Im home and/or not got massive commute would make a difference. Family situation also makes things difficult.

But even the permies can rarely swing it due to one hard ass manager. Although the senior guy is happy, the fella in between is dead against and hes tends not to overrule him.

Been there a while so they know I know my tulip and dont take the piss. How to politely tell them, yeh I want to stay but only if you agree to this WFH idea one day per week....

Don;t really want to come on too strong and demand it....

Call me a cynic but the grammar and tone of this question sounds very like PCs regular tales of woe... are you him?

[sal]

As everyone else already pointed out, best to bring it up on renewal and be 100% prepared to walk, as the chances of getting it are slim and if they call your bluff once...

Even if you do end up getting it the permies will go amok seeing a contractor getting special treatment they no doubt believe is owed first to them.

Bottom line is either way be prepared to look for something else pronto.

[Willapp]

At renewal time push hard for 2 days WFH and when they kick it back, *reluctantly* agree that you could make 1 day WFH work.