Reply to: Client not flexible with hours

[psychocandy]

Totally agree that the first month is make or break and, personally, I'd only ever go off sick in that 1st month if I was really ill, however, if this does befall you then in your own defence against your first point, whilst you are a super expensive supplier, you're not billing the client for that time you're off. I know it still doesn't look good, but not charging the client for your illness, unlike a permie, is at least something.

No this is for the whole contract. But end of the day if you're ill then you're ill.

If I was really badly ill in the first few weeks, I'd apologise to client etc and try to get back asap. If they were still a dick about it then its unlikely that this gig is going to last a long time.

[billybiro]

But you are a super expensive supplier that earns too much. You waltz in for a week or two and the disappear.....
The first month is where you make or break your reputation. It's probably the worst possible start to engagement whatever the reason you are off.

Totally agree that the first month is make or break and, personally, I'd only ever go off sick in that 1st month if I was really ill, however, if this does befall you then in your own defence against your first point, whilst you are a super expensive supplier, you're not billing the client for that time you're off. I know it still doesn't look good, but not charging the client for your illness, unlike a permie, is at least something.

[northernladuk]

You've over-thought the situation. Someone has posted an alternative opinion to you so Bee has liked it and supported it because she can't stand you.

Ahhh. Thanks for that. All becomes clear.

[LondonManc]

I've absolutely no idea what 'this is the real world' is supposed to mean but Village is correct and no one is denying it. It 'shouldn't' be a problem and it's possible to get over it. A week off and then other crap afterwards such as in the OP's case isn't going to end well for them.

It's not an ideal situation, it can be overcome but it can also be the start of a very sorry state of affairs. If all this happened a month after he'd started and he'd gained the clients trust they wouldn't bat an eyelid. The timing is critical.

You've over-thought the situation. Someone has posted an alternative opinion to you so Bee has liked it and supported it because she can't stand you.

[northernladuk]

Absolutely this.
This is the real world.

I've absolutely no idea what 'this is the real world' is supposed to mean but Village is correct and no one is denying it. It 'shouldn't' be a problem and it's possible to get over it. A week off and then other crap afterwards such as in the OP's case isn't going to end well for them.

It's not an ideal situation, it can be overcome but it can also be the start of a very sorry state of affairs. If all this happened a month after he'd started and he'd gained the clients trust they wouldn't bat an eyelid. The timing is critical.

[Bee]

I see what you're getting at but it's not the be all and end all. I had to take the first 3 days off on my first contract because my daughter was sick, I'd even got to the office on the first day before getting the call from the nursery.

After 9 months they decided they only needed 1 Agile Coach and I was the preferred option.

It may leave a bad impression for the first few week but that all disappears when you start delivering

Absolutely this.
This is the real world.

[northernladuk]

I do agree its not the be all and end all.

However, in the OPs case it didn't help his cause, rightfully or wrongfully, especially as they were unhappy about other things.

Correct. It's not but you can't expect it not to matter either.

[MrMarkyMark]

I see what you're getting at but it's not the be all and end all. I had to take the first 3 days off on my first contract because my daughter was sick, I'd even got to the office on the first day before getting the call from the nursery.

After 9 months they decided they only needed 1 Agile Coach and I was the preferred option.

It may leave a bad impression for the first few week but that all disappears when you start delivering

I do agree its not the be all and end all.

However, in the OPs case it didn't help his cause, rightfully or wrongfully, especially as they were unhappy about other things.

[VillageContractor]

Absolutely this.
Its all about perception, whether PC likes that fact or not, that's exactly what it is.

I see what you're getting at but it's not the be all and end all. I had to take the first 3 days off on my first contract because my daughter was sick, I'd even got to the office on the first day before getting the call from the nursery.

After 9 months they decided they only needed 1 Agile Coach and I was the preferred option.

It may leave a bad impression for the first few week but that all disappears when you start delivering

[MrMarkyMark]

But you are a super expensive supplier that earns too much. You waltz in for a week or two and the disappear. It's highly likely most clients have had people do this and leave so they've a week to stew in it. By the time you come back in you are so far in the back foot it's going to be very difficult for you to attain the same left as respect/trust if you'd not been off.

In the past 2 years we've had 3 guys go sick in the first month. First one didn't come back and the other two take the fall out.

The first month is where you make or break your reputation. You are unavailable at anytime it's gonna hurt that process. It will do if it's your builder, supplier whatever. Expectations are affected and when they are it can be a bit if a fight to get it back.

Absolutely this.
Its all about perception, whether PC likes that fact or not, that's exactly what it is.

[northernladuk]

Bollox. If Im genuinely ill in the first two weeks then I'd be well unhappy if client had a big issue. Most human beings would not have an issue with this IMHO.

Might be a big disappointed and maybe at the back of their mind they might be thinking but got to act properly and give benefit of the doubt.

Of course, if sickies continue to happen....

But you are a super expensive supplier that earns too much. You waltz in for a week or two and the disappear. It's highly likely most clients have had people do this and leave so they've a week to stew in it. By the time you come back in you are so far in the back foot it's going to be very difficult for you to attain the same left as respect/trust if you'd not been off.

In the past 2 years we've had 3 guys go sick in the first month. First one didn't come back and the other two take the fall out.

The first month is where you make or break your reputation. You are unavailable at anytime it's gonna hurt that process. It will do if it's your builder, supplier whatever. Expectations are affected and when they are it can be a bit if a fight to get it back.

It's probably the worst possible start to engagement whatever the reason you are off.

[psychocandy]

Sadly that is because you don't understand customers.

Bollox. If Im genuinely ill in the first two weeks then I'd be well unhappy if client had a big issue. Most human beings would not have an issue with this IMHO.

Might be a big disappointed and maybe at the back of their mind they might be thinking but got to act properly and give benefit of the doubt.

Of course, if sickies continue to happen....

[MrMarkyMark]

That sounds really tough for you. How are you coping?

Its very hard, but being able to WFH when I want to, at a whim, really helps.

I appreciate your thoughts at this difficult time

[Old Greg]

Obviously can vary depending on your relationship with the client. Everyone gets treated differently where I am, trust and delivery stands for a lot.

That sounds really tough for you. How are you coping?

[MrMarkyMark]

Phone if not in when planned. SMS if going to be 'late' (whatever that means).

Obviously can vary depending on your relationship with the client. Everyone gets treated differently where I am, trust and delivery stands for a lot.