Reply to: break a good thing??

[Cyberman]

I am looking to take a month of contracting..
to spend some time with my 11 month old kid in June,
hence not extending my contract(was promised stuff on my latest
ext that didn’t happen bonus and a year ext rather than the 2 months
till may.. then if there’s work more ext .. looks like there will be
loads of work .. and only told this on last day of old contract!!)
My question is, will this month break + bench time look bad when
looking for other contracts? Esp. if there is a Slow down in the .net
market.
(been contracting since 2000 ... and not had more than a month between contracts.. Jammie I know)

My advice would be to take the extension, bearing in mind that we are heading into what could be a major slowdown, unless you have enough funds to see you through a year or so on the bench. Good luck, whatever you decide.

[oracleslave]

Listen to Milan, every so often he speaks the truth....

April fool was a couple days ago.

HTH.

[lukemg]

Listen to Milan, every so often he speaks the truth....
If you need a break then negotiate one if possible with current client. Explain you need a break and how you will make arrangements to ensure they aren't left in the lurch in your absence.
If you are getting plenty of calls about work despite being in a contract then maybe you can afford to sack it and pick up later but there are plenty on the bench looking to get back in.
Doesn't take long on the bench for your demands and confidence to slip a bit.
On the other hand, sack it and let someone else start earning !
Good luck either way and try to leave on good terms.

[Pinto]

keep your head down, and keep turning up for work and invoicing, survive the down turn and provide a financial foundation for your family to prosper

Milan.

Milan is Alvin Hall, and I claim my 5 torn-up credit cards.

[DiscoStu]

For that, you deserve a

Sorry! At least I didn't tell him to buy a Passatt

[miffy]

Permy... aint that a banned word round here?

It should be. Thankfully there's only one person on here throwing the word around and encouraging that kind of behaviour though.

[TheFaQQer]

I'd be taking the Benes approach - make hay while the sun shines!

For that, you deserve a

If you want a break, have a break. Stop listening to all this 'make hay while the sun shines' bollocks. You could also call it 'work every day until you drop, at least you're billing'.

Quality of life is what it's about. And you've seen the light as you want to spend more time with your nipper...

WHS.

[oracleslave]

If you want a break, have a break. Stop listening to all this 'make hay while the sun shines' bollocks. You could also call it 'work every day until you drop, at least you're billing'.

Quality of life is what it's about. And you've seen the light as you want to spend more time with your nipper...

WHS

[ratewhore]

If you want a break, have a break. Stop listening to all this 'make hay while the sun shines' bollocks. You could also call it 'work every day until you drop, at least you're billing'.

Quality of life is what it's about. And you've seen the light as you want to spend more time with your nipper...

[ThomasSoerensen]

Or go permie

[someone has my name]

Permy... aint that a banned word round here?

[someone has my name]

Why not tell the client that you want to take a month's break? At the same time express your disappointment about the contract, but don't burn any bridges.

Good plan .. prob what I will do ..


as for having a good financial base..I have that . prob due to not having a break for more than a month between contracts before.

[Wilmslow]

I am looking to take a month of contracting..
to spend some time with my 11 month old kid in June,
hence not extending my contract(was promised stuff on my latest
ext that didn’t happen bonus and a year ext rather than the 2 months
till may.. then if there’s work more ext .. looks like there will be
loads of work .. and only told this on last day of old contract!!)
My question is, will this month break + bench time look bad when
looking for other contracts? Esp. if there is a Slow down in the .net
market.
(been contracting since 2000 ... and not had more than a month between contracts.. Jammie I know)

First off, is the client within getting home distance?

If so, I would continue working, but push for something like 7-3 to give you bonding time in the evenings.

Option 2 – Accept extension on the condition you get a month off. If they are not happy for this, negotiate, maybe a fortnight is very reasonable.

Or go permie

[milanbenes]

yep :-)

Milan.

[ChimpMaster]

Why not tell the client that you want to take a month's break? At the same time express your disappointment about the contract, but don't burn any bridges.

That way you get your break and you have a contract to return to after. During your break you can also take the time to gauge the market for your skills.

So it's a win/win situation.

My contracting career is coming to an end soon - I think - and I am glad that at least I made the most of it for the 4 years it has lasted.