Reply to: holidays booked but received new contract offer, what to do ?

[psychocandy]

Its the million dollar question as to when to tell client you won't be available....
If you tell them at interview, it might put them off. Unless they ask I don't bring the subject up.

I usually get the agent to inform client before I sign contract. That way theres no misunderstanding. Although usually find that the agent is not so keen to tell them - they get scared that client is going to back out.

I try not to book holidays during prime times (august etc) anyway because this causes problems sometimes. But I would be a bit perturbed if I signed a 6 month contract today and then client objected to me taking two weeks off in september or something.

Wouldn't give me a good feeling about the clients general attitude to contractors. What I don't want is a client who thinks they can tell contractors when to come and go, or ones who think that a 6 month contract equals being there each and every day of that time.

[TheFaQQer]

Booking a holiday months ahead as a contractor is pure madness. I always book a last minute holiday two weeks before my contract ends or during a contract otherwise you end up in your situation

Depends on where you are going, how you are getting there, and how limited that is. For example, if you are cashing in frequent flyer miles (as I did two years ago), you typically have to book some way in advance if you are looking at popular routes - we still had to be flexible for our Manchester to Atlanta; Denver to Manchester flights and ended up booking 300 days in advance to get some.

I like to know where I'm going and when - if the client can't deal with that, then it wasn't meant to be.

This year is my least organised one - we've only booked the summer so far, whereas most years Christmas is normally sorted by now, and so would October be.

[zerointeractive]

Booking a holiday months ahead as a contractor is pure madness.

IMHO that's not exactly true: if you know that you will be renewed, booking holidays months ahead it's the cheapest solution you can have, you save money that you won't earn when you take your days off.
If you are sure your contract is not going to be renewed, then I agree with you.

[Brussels Slumdog]

Never book holidays ahead as a contractor

Hi folks,

I have received an offer which is decent enough to let me consider it.
New project, new sector and new skills but the rate maybe lower.
I'm currently earning 450€ but I would accept 370€ for acquiring new lucrative skills being the new project in the banking industry.

The current boring contract is due to end May 15 and I have an unusual 1 month notice, which I am sure that the current company will not negotiate. However, I have heard possible renewals but so far, nothing written.

The problem is that I have my final BSc exam May 20 (distance learning), and holidays already booked and payed for end of June, and the new contract wants me ASAP.

I need the advise of senior contractors. What will you do ?

Thank you for your answers.

Booking a holiday months ahead as a contractor is pure madness. I always book a last minute holiday two weeks before my contract ends or during a contract otherwise you end up in your situation

[vadhert]

I had a similar experience when going for my current contract.

Last one finished in December 2012 so I I booked a couple of Ski trips for Jan and Feb.

Interview came along, Got the gig and they wanted me to start on 7th Jan. It was at this point I mentioned to them that I was away on the 14th for 5 days and again 3 weeks later.

It was down to them ultimately, I was prepared to walk but they were happy to let me have the time off.

It depends what the client is like at the end of the day. Be prepared to walk if you want to keep your holiday.

[BolshieBastard]

Did you not think to mention the holiday when you interviewed?

This. Im surprised if neither the agent nor client asked directly anyway.

[psychocandy]

Well, my own opinion ...

You can always go for a holiday anytime you want . But you cant always get a brilliant contract any time you want

Hmmm. Debatable.... Work to live not live to work and all that.....

[Wanderer]

Did you not think to mention the holiday when you interviewed?

Hell no! Wait till they are well and truly on the hook before you tell them about things like that.

I mean, if you ever go an buy a lounge suite at a store which is offering "50% discount" do they tell you up front that it will take 6-8 weeks to ship the damned thing from China?

[TheFaQQer]

Did you not think to mention the holiday when you interviewed?

[v8gaz]

Tell them the situation. Remember that as permie managers they will have had touchy feely training, and will want to allow you your well earned holiday. Luckily they are not mercenary gits like us

[NotAllThere]

Tell them up front. I've always done that (it's happened a few times), and never had any trouble. A few times I've offered to be available remotely if necessary.

[Wanderer]

if its going to run on for a while then advise the client that you are not available until May 21st, you are very interested in the contract but curently are unavailable to work during (holiday period). No need to tell them why unless asked, your simply unavailable for that time. if they are completely unflexible then you have to decide which is more important but if you start 6 weeks before hand and its a long running contract the client should hopefully be flexible.

Spot on, do what chef says.

I've done similar things and it's worked out just fine. If it's a 6 month contract then they won't expect you to work every single day of it....

[rurffy]

Well, my own opinion ...

You can always go for a holiday anytime you want . But you cant always get a brilliant contract any time you want

[zerointeractive]

Thanks guys, I really love you and the beautiful minds behind CUK.

If you have a wife then it's a done deal, your going on holiday

I currently have a wife, don't know after signing the contract. No really, I would run the risk, maybe I wouldn't tell immediately because as usual June and July is holiday season, so it is more likely to be expected.

How long is the contract?

The initial contract should be like 6 months or more. I have to make an "offer"

[Support Monkey]

If you have a wife then it's a done deal, your going on holiday, if your single then if you can/want to take the hit on losing the holiday do the contract, or try to negotiate with the new client they may be flexible, you have nothing to lose by discussing it with them