voluntarily benching yourself

[norrahe]

I always do it. I like to take time off after a contract and I don't like being pestered by agent while I'm on holiday.

I find work within a week or two (which I suspect means that my rate is too low - must sort that out next time...)

It may also mean you're very good at your job!

I have in the past not taken renewals and had some time off, this time however no renewal as it was an interim gig for someone on maternity.

[TheDandy]

Do it all the time. Feel better for it in so many ways.

[RSoles]

I've done this for the last couple of summers.
I timed it perfectly last year, though I mistimed it this year and had a couple of wet & windy weeks off before the new contract kicked in.

Where I live, unless it's summer I'd rather be working.......

[cojak]

I always do it. I like to take time off after a contract and I don't like being pestered by agent while I'm on holiday.

I find work within a week or two (which I suspect means that my rate is too low - must sort that out next time...)

[greenlake]

Don't like the excrement they've got me shovelling

"I'll shovel it, I'll live in it, but I won't take it."

[FatLazyContractor]

Turned down a six month extension in February after deciding it was time for a holiday. Two months into the holiday, I got a call from an ex-client for an eight month boom.

Very good rate + 15 minute commute + Not more than 7 hours a day = Extended holiday

[ShandyDrinker]

Anyone else done it? First time in eleven years of contracting I've declined an extension with no other work to go to. Don't like the excrement they've got me shovelling

Did that very thing recently. It wasn't that I disliked the client as they were great for the most part even if they were very demanding. I'd just got to the point where I wanted a break, recharge the batteries then try something new.

I have found that people look at you as if you are crazy when you say you are leaving to take a break without something else lined up.... This does seem to fly in the face of the perceived wisdom of "keep calm and carry on invoicing" espoused on this very forum and from discussion with other contractors.

[Cenobite]

Yes. Some years back, I turned down a six month extension because I hated the client, the people, the work and the location.

Same as above.

I'm doing it again right now too.

[woohoo]

Anyone else done it? First time in eleven years of contracting I've declined an extension with no other work to go to. Don't like the excrement they've got me shovelling

I did it a couple years back, couldn't stand the office or the work. Took a couple months off and then started the worst contract ever. Two crappy contracts in a row, but luckily was saved by an old customer, nice people, nice work and a nice office.

[Batcher]

I've had plenty bench time over the years, most of it of my choosing, but I've not yet refused an extension to do it.

I guess I can put up with lots of tulipe before I see the need to bench myself.

[Avalonia]

Twelve months here has tested my tolerance to the limit. I hope I don't regret it and I don't think I will

[I just need to test it]

Kudos to those that have but I'm yet to do it. I've taken steps to get out of places, sure, but always with a safety net of somewhere else to go.

Numerous longish stretches out of contract, one of which almost completely consumed my rather marvellous war chest, have made me a bit more conservative than I would really like to admit.

[TheFaQQer]

Yes. Some years back, I turned down a six month extension because I hated the client, the people, the work and the location.

[SimonMac]

I always take time off between contracts, last few gigs I have turned down extensions because I am ready for some time off

[Avalonia]

Anyone else done it? First time in eleven years of contracting I've declined an extension with no other work to go to. Don't like the excrement they've got me shovelling