I started contracting so I wasn't constrained by the bank holidays plus 4 weeks you typically get when permie. I don't usually take holiday in the first 3 months of a contract unless it's prebooked. If I've been there a year I'd expect to have taken 2-3 weeks. After that I'll be thinking of leaving to take an extended break between contracts before I get too comfy at the same place.
Unfortunately my original plans of extended travel haven't yet materialised, maybe next year. Just like the idea of getting out of IT, or working in an office.
And yes - ASKING the client if you can take holiday. Really, that's a bit silly. I've got used to TELLING them. The first few contracts I did I was always a little nervous about telling people - after years of having to get it approved. But now I sometimes see the look of surprise on the clients face when I come in and announce I've got some holiday booked 3 months ahead and won't be coming in. Is as if they are expecting me to say "are you ok with that?".
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Fair does - do whatever keeps you and you're warchest happy....Originally posted by Kelstar View PostI took nine weeks off in my last company financial year. I have to say I'm far happier and nicer to be around as a result
Kept clients happy, I think that there is a difference between asking permission and having a conversation to discuss holiday time. I guess its how you word it....
Agree with you about the clients. Keep them happy if you can but dont let them decide how it works.Leave a comment:
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Speaking of which I am off for a week of all inclusive bliss in North Africa next week...Leave a comment:
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I took nine weeks off in my last company financial year. I have to say I'm far happier and nicer to be around as a result
Kept clients happy, I think that there is a difference between asking permission and having a conversation to discuss holiday time. I guess its how you word it....Leave a comment:
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I’m impressed with the work ethic of some people on here! Obviously everyone has their own motivations, but one thing I love about contracting is not having to worry about annual leave restrictions. For me, five weeks is not enough and contracting gives me the flexibility to have more, not less. Timing can be a little problematic but that is a small price to pay.Originally posted by psychocandy View PostLeave a comment:
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Usually the French (And in fact most europeans) find it impossible that anyone works past 4pm!Originally posted by cojak View PostLeave a comment:
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Exactly. No amount of grief from client even comes close to the amount of grief from the Mrs.Originally posted by lukemg View PostLeave a comment:
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I have had a fair amount of bench time in the last few years so I am a bit reluctant to take other time off but I still do it.
I am just a bit more aware of making sure it is for a good reason and must admit the break always does me good.
The loss of revenue stings a bit but loss of relationship might sting too !!Leave a comment:
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Just bank hols for me at Xmas. Hate Xmas so dont mind working since I expect the MIL will be staying anyway.Originally posted by Scoi View Post
Hmm. Not so sure about going away straight away after being benched. Even though I might have the warchest I'd still be worried about getting back in there looking for new gig.Leave a comment:
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LOL. Same here. SAYS YOU CAN TAKE THE HOLIDAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1Originally posted by kingcook View Post
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It's alright for you to say that being a disguised permie.Originally posted by arthur_cider View PostLeave a comment:
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Cant believe the attitude of some people here but, hey, each to his own.
OK, contract of 3 months or less, probably not a good idea. Otherwise, stuff it, you're going to go mad if you end up having zero days off.
I probably take much less time off than when I was a permie and dont take the odd friday because I can. And dont think, sod it, I'll have day off before holiday like I used to. Now I'll work and Mrs will have to suck it up and do all the packing/running around.
But have no holidays. No way. My son is 8 yrs old - dont ruin your life by having a few extra quid in the bank but not see your kids grow up. You cant take it with you remember....
Also, whats this bollox about asking the client if they mind you having a holiday? **** that. Before I book, I might, out of courtesy, ask client if theres any HUGE reason why this will be a problem. If not, then I confirm that I will not be there (but they always forget).
If its already booked, then theres no way I will ever cancel. EVER EVER EVER. One client tried to talk me into it, holiday booked to florida etc, 3 days to go they started panicking cos I was going to be away (i.e. forgot again!). As if I was going to turn around to my 5 yr old (at the time) and tell him we couldnt go to disney after all.
Piss poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine and all that etc. Remember that one.... LOLLeave a comment:
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I got boomed 6 weeks ago, 3 weeks before my contract was due to finish. So before signing i said i wasn't available for a week. Lack of invoice does hurt as it doubles the holiday cost.
Getting the balance right is important for me. At minimum a week in the Summer and a week at Christmas minimum.
Would definitely get away in week 1 of being benched. Tell agents email only and can arrange interviews for when you return as ClientCo's always have a week between invitation to interview and interview date.
I also politely tell the client about some unavailability on Fridays and Mondays, can still work the hours the rest of the week but get a 4 day break, enough time to be worth it with no lost income.Leave a comment:
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