Reply to: How to phrase "I'm still working and billing on Monday 19th"

[northernladuk]

Would your client bat an eyelid if you messaged them on a normal Friday, "I won't be in Monday" out of interest? I think mine wouldn't - that might be a different discussion how people work. Reckon I normally give 'notice' about equal to the time I'll be away, if I'm off for a week I'll tell them a week in advance, etc.

Depends for me. I'm working on a very large project with multiple stages so over the year we've got some very key dates. Requests go round for advance abscence notice regularly. Most of the time the above would work no problems but around key deployment dates there will be a lot of sucking of teeth. No one has ever had time refused but I do think most people have considered the dates when taking time off that could be done later within reason.

I'm considering a week off in line with term times in Oct and that's going to go down like a lead balloon due to a Nov go live. I don't think for one minute they will refuse it but to avoid any gnashing and wailing I've already advised I'll be unavailable and I'm already planning how things will work if I'm off. Giving a weeks notice for that time off won't cut it.

Yes I'm outside and yes there is sod all they can do if I tell them I'll be unavailable so it's gauranteed I'll be off, just making it as smooth as possible due to the key date. I could also provide them with a sub but for a week at that stage will be nigh on useless. Just got to play the game with the client, keep them happy and I'm sure all will be fine.

[d000hg]

Was planning to make a case for working it but got to the end of last week and fancied a long weekend. I am a bad contractor.

Would your client bat an eyelid if you messaged them on a normal Friday, "I won't be in Monday" out of interest? I think mine wouldn't - that might be a different discussion how people work. Reckon I normally give 'notice' about equal to the time I'll be away, if I'm off for a week I'll tell them a week in advance, etc.

[SueEllen]

Was planning to make a case for working it but got to the end of last week and fancied a long weekend. I am only human.

FTFY

[SussexSeagull]

Was planning to make a case for working it but got to the end of last week and fancied a long weekend. I am a bad contractor.

[SueEllen]

Jesus wept.

keep playing up to the stereotypes guys.

and keep having that Good Friday.

One way to get repeat projects with the same client is to have good communication skills.

This means you need to learn quickly how your client thinks.

I guess you haven't done that.

I haven't worked today. Apart for the fact I can't, if I could I know this client wouldn't be accept it as they are heavy on work-life balance. (Outside IR35)

There as my last client would have expected me to work and be more annoyed I couldn't. (Inside IR35)

[ladymuck]

I'm working today. I sent a message to the person who signs my time sheets with this exact wording:

"Good morning! Hope you're well. I just wanted to let you know that I am intending to work on Monday so it doesn't come as a surprise when you see it on my timesheet next week."

They replied with "Ok, thanks for letting me know"

[The Tall Designer]

Jesus wept.

keep playing up to the stereotypes guys.

and keep having that Good Friday.

[WTFH]

Useful. If you know someone well
enough you don’t have to ask them questions. Well I suppose I can’t say that’s not true….

anyway. You keep having that great Friday.

If you know someone well enough you know:
1. What questions to ask
2. How to ask them

Which is not what you said.

[The Tall Designer]

Useful. If you know someone well
enough you don’t have to ask them questions. Well I suppose I can’t say that’s not true….

anyway. You keep having that great Friday.

[northernladuk]

I think your mistake is that you didn't read the question then. I was literally asking for the best way to frame it, not permission.

I hope you are having a lovely Friday.

My point being if you knew your client well enough you'd know.

[The Tall Designer]

I think the mistake the OP has made is he doesn't understand his client well enough to gauge how they will respond.

I think your mistake is that you didn't read the question then. I was literally asking for the best way to frame it, not permission.

I hope you are having a lovely Friday.

[northernladuk]

Sounds good.

Turns out I wasn't sent the "we're shut" email my my client but as far as I can tell this was mistake which "all staff" list was used (or maybe the email talked about holiday allowances etc). If I find myself at a loose end with all the shops shut and it's peeing it down I might do a bit of work, but I know the client well and that they won't care.

Exactly the same here. Mass mail went round but it's a retail client with a 24x7 distribution option so a flurry of corrections went out. I'm also going to see what the day brings and work if there is nothing else to do. Client is aware and also doen't care.

I think the mistake the OP has made is he doesn't understand his client well enough to gauge how they will respond.

[d000hg]

Just so everyone knows I said "professional courtesy only really, but, I am working Monday, I've got lots to do, so I'll be working and billing"

Them

"Yeah cool, I would be too if I wasn't a perm employee, hope you have a great day doing uninterrupted work!"

Sounds good.

Turns out I wasn't sent the "we're shut" email my my client but as far as I can tell this was mistake which "all staff" list was used (or maybe the email talked about holiday allowances etc). If I find myself at a loose end with all the shops shut and it's peeing it down I might do a bit of work, but I know the client well and that they won't care.

[The Tall Designer]

Just so everyone knows I said "professional courtesy only really, but, I am working Monday, I've got lots to do, so I'll be working and billing"

Them

"Yeah cool, I would be too if I wasn't a perm employee, hope you have a great day doing uninterrupted work!"

[Lance]

And if he's inside IR35 already then he's likely subject to D&C which seriously erodes his being in business status and being able to work whatever days he wants regardless of the clients wishes.

sort of my point really
If he doesn't know it's his choice, or it's not his choice; then he's a permitractor..