Reply to: permies keep asking me my rent

[gricerboy]

Over the weekend I was strolling in the village and bumped into one of the permies from my current contract.

LOL!- don't think I could think of anything worse than bumping into someone from work over the weekend.

[CiderEagle]

Groom me for what?

Hey, we're all contractors. If the price is right ...

[CiderEagle]

Why? What's it got to do with anyone else?!

It has nothing to do with them, but in the scenario I am thinking about, if people start saying "you're being paid x you rich bastard" you can then counter with a gentle reminder about all your overheads and so on. But you're right, I never feel comfortable having those conversations unless I have to !

[MaryPoppins]

Groom me for what?

Be wary if he asks you if you want to see his puppies.

[darrenb]

Back to the OP, it does sound like somebody is trying to groom you.

Groom me for what?

[MaryPoppins]

If your rate DOES become public knowledge that's when you have to start on all the expenses. taxes, no holiday pay or sick pay, time spent finding contracts, ect.

Why? What's it got to do with anyone else?!

[DS23]

Rule 1 - Never, ever slag off the company or say anything even remotely negative about it.

not easy when everyone is in the canteen or at the coffee machine joshing about how the project is going down the toilet or how purchasing procedures are a joke or the futility of the annual review policy. remaining strictly neutral can make you appear aloof and lead to becoming ostracised from the team you need to be part of. balance is required.

Rule 2 - Never, ever reveal your rate to permies.

true. actually, this is rule 1.

And finally, I DO hope none of us are being so irresponsible as to encourage permies into the contract market in the current difficult economic conditions.

i most certainly do where i feel that an individual could make it as a contractor and more importantly be able to assist me in any future opportunities. i certainly don't encourage any permies who would provide direct competition to me - that would be daft.

[CiderEagle]

Rule 1 - Never, ever slag off the company or say anything even remotely negative about it.


Rule 2 - Never, ever reveal your rate to permies.

There IS an argument that all contractors should know each other's rates as it gives us all ammunition to ask for raises to the level of the highest contractor, or at least close to it ! Not sure if I subscribe to it tbh but I will generally be a bit more open with contractors. There are always exceptions, of course.

Back to the OP, it does sound like somebody is trying to groom you. A friendly but firm "no" to all rate questions usually works, the permie will know why you are saying no and the conversation will move on.

If your rate DOES become public knowledge that's when you have to start on all the expenses. taxes, no holiday pay or sick pay, time spent finding contracts, ect.

And finally, I DO hope none of us are being so irresponsible as to encourage permies into the contract market in the current difficult economic conditions.

[thunderlizard]

All you need to remember is that your customer is your customer and not your employer. Its employees are your customer's employees and not your colleagues. And any other contractors are your competitors and not your colleagues either. It's not too hard to keep things friendly on that basis.

[cojak]

To a lesser extent, yes, it is...

[darrenb]

There is nothing good or positive that will ever come from slagging the Client - so whats the point?

It can get exhausting having to be constantly on guard against people who are pretending to be your friends. Sort of like living in Soviet Russia. Is that the life of the contractor?

My contract is up for renewal shortly, so maybe that is why I was reading so much into this encounter.

[Drewster]

I never say bad things about the company I contracting with to anybody, be they employee or fellow contractor. You never who is around to stick the knife in...

WHS - The best that could happen is.... nothing.

There is nothing good or positive that will ever come from slagging the Client - so whats the point?

[Netraider]

But he was also saying bad things about the company, and sort of egging me on to do the same.

I never say bad things about the company I contracting with to anybody, be they employee or fellow contractor. You never who is around to stick the knife in...

[thunderlizard]

I wish, but you are all wrong. If you knew your Roman numerals you would know that £x00 is of course merely £1000.

[Advocate]

x.... now if my I-Spy code serves me right thats 24. (a=1, b=2 etc..) £2400 per day,Respect.....

x.... Now ascii of x is 120, £12000 per day, even more Respect.....

I read it as null per day...