Reply to: Negotiating Time Off

[interested]

Denny,

Interesting points.

Currently one of the contractors on my team is asking for two days off at a point when there's going to be a fair bit of work on. Normally I'm OK with such requests and try to accomodate them as best I can but in this instance I know that I need them in and working.

What would you do if you were in my situation as the PM? Insist they worked?

[cojak]

Personally when I agree a XXX month contract I will work it without taking time off, unless I have agreed it prior to accepting the contract with the client so they were aware of it beforehand.

Only if you work on sequential contracts...

[MarillionFan]

"Actually officially, my plan B is actually Business A.

My IT contracting is Business B inwhich i do to support my start-up contracting.

"

Does this correspond with erotica show in London my any chance??? Just cause you like taking a picture of your manhood and posting it on the internet, doesnt make it a plan B!

[bobhope]

Tell them that your (ltd) company has demanded that you go on a cultural diversity and sensitivity course.

[wendigo100]

Playing devil's advocate here, but how is your contract worded? Have you signed up to work for x weeks? Would you be in breach of it, you know, if they get shirty and say "allright, feck off then"?

[Goya]

But i have my business plan B that needs my attention . . .

Isn't it now plan C for you?

[Churchill]

Funny - I was just about to speak with my 'manager' to start working a 4 day week, so longer hours, then take a day off, it gives me more time for GF and Plan B

Duder doesn't have that problem...

[el duder]

Can't you just tell them you're doing a day a week from home and squeeze your billed work and plan B in on that day?

Actually officially, my plan B is actually Business A.

My IT contracting is Business B inwhich i do to support my start-up contracting.

Just to set the record straight...

[ratewhore]

Can't you just tell them you're doing a day a week from home and squeeze your billed work and plan B in on that day?

[rootsnall]

Funny - I was just about to speak with my 'manager' to start working a 4 day week, so longer hours, then take a day off, it gives me more time for GF and Plan B

Its getting hard to pull off that scam, I haven't managed it for a few years now. I would just try and bring it in unoffically. Wait until you know things are busy and say how sorry you are you cannot work Friday and then out of the kindness of your heart offer to make the time up Mon-Thursday, repeat if you get away with it.

[el duder]

You're simply unavailable that week and that's the end of it.

You could have not put it any better!

[DodgyAgent]

Normally, i wouldnt take any time off during a contract. But i have my business plan B that needs my attention for 5 days. So i am taking those days as business.

To be honest, the best time to take time off is inbetween contracts, or if the client is going to renew you, you tell them you are having xxx amount of time off before you begin the new contract extenstion.

I didnt mention it, cause i needed specific dates for my plan B and didnt want to risk my day job for it.

you're going for an op that will improve your dating chances. Dont be afraid of telling us the truth.

[Spacecadet]

Whats that got to do with it?
<blah>

Because if you're outside IR35 then you shouldn't be in this position. You're simply unavailable that week and that's the end of it.
Of course the client might have a valid reason to need you on site that week... but that's completely different to them "seeing what they can do"

[ratewhore]

I wouldn't ask to have time off. I would do what El Duder has done, give them notice I'm not available on certain dates...

[el duder]

Personally when I agree a XXX month contract I will work it without taking time off, unless I have agreed it prior to accepting the contract with the client so they were aware of it beforehand.

Normally, i wouldnt take any time off during a contract. But i have my business plan B that needs my attention for 5 days. So i am taking those days as business.

To be honest, the best time to take time off is inbetween contracts, or if the client is going to renew you, you tell them you are having xxx amount of time off before you begin the new contract extenstion.

I didnt mention it, cause i needed specific dates for my plan B and didnt want to risk my day job for it.