Reply to: Is this a bit extreme?

[MarillionFan]

"Does anybody remember the good old days when agencies paid for contractor nights out laying on transport etc, usually once a month? When almost daily contact with an agent who was anxious to hold on to your business was the norm and you were treated like the professional you are and not a cash cow?"

Which reminds me, I leant that Noah a shekkel and he still hasnt paid it back.
You know Noah used contractors to build the ark - never got a mention. And dont get me started on that Pleasure Dome in Xanadu!!!

[Cliphead]

Im not sure if i agree.

I understand the frustration but surely there is another route. Taking that interview slot and not going meant that one of us could have been there instead.

There are still people out there that struggle..

I was the only candidate and I had already refused them twice before agreeing to the interview. In their words "a dead cert" - so they thought.

Yes, the contract would have been a good one and it was very close to home but had an offer been on the table, the usual lying about rates would have started and to be frank, I just couldn't be bothered. Even when out of contract I will never appear desperate to any agent even if it means losing out on the short term. I like to think that playing hard to get and only working for a decent rate not only benefits me but other contractors although it can be lonely out there trying to fight your corner.

Does anybody remember the good old days when agencies paid for contractor nights out laying on transport etc, usually once a month? When almost daily contact with an agent who was anxious to hold on to your business was the norm and you were treated like the professional you are and not a cash cow?

Those days are gone will likely never come back. I'm in the fortunate position where I can afford to treat agents with the contempt they deserve and yet they still come back because they need me more than I need them.

[Coding4FUN]

I still get daily emails from some company or another, about Java skills that i havent used in about 5 years. Ive just given up and blocked all the email form them.

[Mordac]

S'alright, I've gone straight. Honest.

[MarillionFan]

They're ready for you now Mordy

[Mordac]

"I wish I was on their blacklist."

No, but you're on the NSPCC's and Roman Catholic Church's!!!

It was worth it though...

[Coding4FUN]

Im not sure if i agree.

I understand the frustration but surely there is another route. Taking that interview slot and not going meant that one of us could have been there instead.

There are still people out there that struggle..

[ratewhore]

Non-violent direct action - marvellous...

[MarillionFan]

"I wish I was on their blacklist."

No, but you're on the NSPCC's and Roman Catholic Church's!!!

[senditback]

Having been lied to and stiffed on the rate once too often I told the agency to remove my details from their system, stop emailing and phoning me about contracts. This of course never happened so after nine months or so of telling them to feck off to no avail, I agreed to attend an interview. I didn't turn up for the interview, switched off the phone and buggered off on holiday.

I didn't even bother to listen to the voice messages left on the mobile but funnily enough I haven't heard from them for three months now. I guess the strategy worked.

Why didn't you go to the interview then screw them over? The contract may have been good?

[Mordac]

I wish I was on their blacklist.

[DaveB]

I hope you realise you're now on their blacklist.

I'm sure he's quaking in his boots at the prospect

[premiere]

Rearrange these letter in the correct order FC

This is a bit like playing Countdown.......... in which case CV stands for Carol Vorderman, and I have to say that I am not sure I would want her playing with my CV and/or taking down my particulars!

[Cliphead]

I hope you realise you're now on their blacklist.

Such was my intention, anything for a bit of peace.

[Mordac]

I hope you realise you're now on their blacklist.