Reply to: "Long Distance" Contracting

[NotAllThere]

I always ended up in lodgings*. Never had a problem. Perhaps it's because I'm such a deeply wonderful person.

* Except once, where I found a very nice family run hotel with views across Lake Geneva.

[kingcook]

Never fancies sharing with a stranger to be honest. Like I said, perhaps I'm just an unsociable tulipe.....

Ditto. Tried lodging once, was ok at first then it slowly drove me 'round the bend after 2 or 3 months. I went back to spending 5 hours per day in the car and the odd B&B visit.

Now i'm too far away from home so just stay in a Travelodge Mon-Thu and go home Friday.

Mind you, TL is getting a lonely place now

[psychocandy]

You are aware loads of people at the moment are shortish of cash and want lodgers?

So there is absolutely no need to be stuck in a hotel.

You can move around temporarily into people's homes and if they p*ss you off you can move somewhere else. (If they seem a bit psycho then don't move in.)

Never fancies sharing with a stranger to be honest. Like I said, perhaps I'm just an unsociable tulipe.....

[NickNick]

Frankly if people expect to contract on their own doorstep they aren't cut out for the job IMHO.

You say that like it's a bad thing, but I've managed nearly 10 years of this and see nothing wrong with it. Never had any bench time, and never had to stay away in the week.

[ross]

Never worked closer to home. In three years 1 yr in london , 6 months in devon,8 months in Hampshire, now in midlands.I am from North East.

[SueEllen]

Each to his own and that, and sometimes I agree the peace and quiet would be nice. But stuck in a hotel on your tod eating takeaway food hmmm.....

You are aware loads of people at the moment are shortish of cash and want lodgers?

So there is absolutely no need to be stuck in a hotel.

You can move around temporarily into people's homes and if they p*ss you off you can move somewhere else. (If they seem a bit psycho then don't move in.)

[psychocandy]

The quality and dedication of the new contractors is certainly heading south nowadays

No. Needs must of course. Just saying that I dont see it as much fun....

But then perhaps Im just a miserable tulipe.... :-)

[ThomserveBAS]

Well the ball is rolling again, this time for Bournemouth - will see how this one pans out.

[northernladuk]

Each to his own and that, and sometimes I agree the peace and quiet would be nice. But stuck in a hotel on your tod eating takeaway food hmmm.....

The quality and dedication of the new contractors is certainly heading south nowadays

[NotAllThere]

Each to his own and that, and sometimes I agree the peace and quiet would be nice. But stuck in a hotel on your tod eating takeaway food hmmm.....

There's always the option of going out and meeting new people. Or even with other contractors if you're desperate.

[psychocandy]

After more than 5 years of staying away during the week I don't know how I'd cope with being with the wife & kids all week.

I don't deliberately look for gigs that require staying away ... I'm just lucky I guess.

Each to his own and that, and sometimes I agree the peace and quiet would be nice. But stuck in a hotel on your tod eating takeaway food hmmm.....

[bless 'em all]

Thing is though I can see a clients point of view a bit...

OK, so you get a contract away from home. Mon-Fri in a B&B. Away from kids and family etc.

Another contract comes up 20 mins from home. Same rate. Same work. Wouldn't be tempted?

After more than 5 years of staying away during the week I don't know how I'd cope with being with the wife & kids all week.

I don't deliberately look for gigs that require staying away ... I'm just lucky I guess.

[bobspud]

Thing is though I can see a clients point of view a bit...

OK, so you get a contract away from home. Mon-Fri in a B&B. Away from kids and family etc.

Another contract comes up 20 mins from home. Same rate. Same work. Wouldn't be tempted?

Hell fscking no! Most of my best contracts are placed at the opposite end of the country on purpose!!! I have been working at home for the best part of a year now and can't wait for my next role in London. ( wife says the same thing as well...)

[psychocandy]

Thing is though I can see a clients point of view a bit...

OK, so you get a contract away from home. Mon-Fri in a B&B. Away from kids and family etc.

Another contract comes up 20 mins from home. Same rate. Same work. Wouldn't be tempted?

[SimonMac]

Indeed it does. Just had a call checking my availability, agent says (another) new contractor has mailed them this morning to say they dont like the 50 mile commute (by rail!) so are not continuing with the contract. What. The. F...!

My first contract was 160 mile away and I stayed in a tiny B&B for the first week. Moved to a better place afterwards but, it seems some newbies arent cut out for it.

Tell them to stuck to their guns and send the agent your CV :