Reply to: FOR SALE!!! One seat on the Bench

[Tensai]

There aren't that many staffers to be had. Certainly not in the Cambridge area!

... true, but I'm near London and you can't move without tripping over desperate ex-banking contractors gagging for a gig (even a permie one.)

I'm not laughing, I may be joining them after Jan!

[Churchill]

Normally I'd agree 100%, but as clientco are in the throes of replacing contractors with permies, I don't want to stick my head above the trench by asking for an increase.

Oh, and I'm already squeezing my agent for 50% of her commission (I saw the PSA agreement), got to leave her SOMETHING.

That's where you may be on to a winner... There aren't that many staffers to be had. Certainly not in the Cambridge area!

[Tensai]

Thats where you're going wrong

Due to current market restrictions, any contracts under 6 months will attract a premium rate. Clients are advised to sign for 12 months to ensure a competitive rate.

I'm sure DA can help you with the finer points of squeezing clients

Normally I'd agree 100%, but as clientco are in the throes of replacing contractors with permies, I don't want to stick my head above the trench by asking for an increase.

Oh, and I'm already squeezing my agent for 50% of her commission (I saw the PSA agreement), got to leave her SOMETHING.

[Jaws]

Congrats.

I've had similar news myself, my first 2 interviews yesterday (both face to face and about 150 miles away from each other ), 1 offer so far and another interview for £50/day more and closer to home coming up next week. It was a little worrying to start with; the turn around from putting the cv out to getting an interview was lower last time I was on the market.

[vetran]

http://www.slh.com/england/guildford/geleng.html is very nice but pricey mate of mine used to be their caretaker.

There is the YMCA in the centre!

Should be able to get a nice house / appartment to rent a bit further out, I liked up by Guildford Technical College by the park, but by the Uni is ok too don't go too far out. traffic is dire into Guildford. Top half is cheaper and being a student town you might score student accomodation for the summer.

Reasonable walking / cycling down the river avoiding the traffic.

while since I lived there, so things may have changed

The HoHo is a great takeaway

The Chippie on Stoke road was very good.

The Robin hood in the church yard used to be reasonable, the Three pigeons (3 Pigs) was great for picking up hen parties. The Kings head was always full but the beer garden looking at the castle was nice, the Star OK beer. I think Thursday night is still grab a granny night at Cinderellas.

The greyhound is for alternative preferences so don't go in there unless you wish to join in.

Avoid anything a short staggering distance from the station on Friday / Saturday night, used to be the overflow from Aldershot barracks so you may upset some of our brave boys by breathing wrong, oh the memories of running like the wind being chased by a load of squaddies wanting to give us a kicking.

For peacful & pleasant eating try further out.
Try the Parrot & Seahorse in Shalford. Most of the Villages have good pubs, The Grantley in Wonersh was an old favourite. They closed my old local though and turned it into houses.

[RichardCranium]

New contract confirmed this morning after just less than 2 weeks on the Bench

Well done!

It's a great feeling, innit?

[Spacecadet]

Me too! Renewed 'til Jan '09

No rate increase though, but mustn't grumble in the current market.

Thats where you're going wrong

Due to current market restrictions, any contracts under 6 months will attract a premium rate. Clients are advised to sign for 12 months to ensure a competitive rate.

I'm sure DA can help you with the finer points of squeezing clients

[Tensai]

Me too! Renewed 'til Jan '09

No rate increase though, but mustn't grumble in the current market.

[PRC1964]

Rent?

I simply buy a small pad near my new gig. It's worked out well in the past.

A quick Google suggests you might like this: http://www.hamptons.co.uk/PropertyDe...yRef=GUC070141

[DimPrawn]

£2750 a month for a "duplex apartment".

Go on benefits and you can get the same thing for £75 a week.

[DiscoStu]

Cheers matey I need all the local info I can get.... I love my sleep and would hate for it to be disturbed

I was thinking along the lines below

http://www.properazzi.com/property/2...4619/3/7/pserp

Does this SCREAM!!! contractor to fellow colleagues at my new place of employment???

It's a bit small isn't it?

threaded

[roadster198]

Cheers matey I need all the local info I can get.... I love my sleep and would hate for it to be disturbed

I was thinking along the lines below

http://www.properazzi.com/property/2...4619/3/7/pserp

Does this SCREAM!!! contractor to fellow colleagues at my new place of employment???

FFS thats miles from Guildford!!!!! and nae Helipad don't get much for your buck these days

[roadster198]

Ooh rub it in a bit, why don't you

I did work in Guildford for a bit and I gather the pubs in the town centre (near the station) can be a bit - ahem - 'lively' . Ask one of the local cabbies to recommend a good boozer as an alternative.

Cheers matey I need all the local info I can get.... I love my sleep and would hate for it to be disturbed

I was thinking along the lines below

http://www.properazzi.com/property/2...4619/3/7/pserp

Does this SCREAM!!! contractor to fellow colleagues at my new place of employment???

[Zippy]

Thank you all. I'm not going to slum it and after looking at the serviced appartments it could work out cheaper than the hotels. I'm looking into it now. Well seeing I got a rate increase

Ooh rub it in a bit, why don't you

I did work in Guildford for a bit and I gather the pubs in the town centre (near the station) can be a bit - ahem - 'lively' . Ask one of the local cabbies to recommend a good boozer as an alternative.

[roadster198]

Thank you all. I'm not going to slum it and after looking at the serviced appartments it could work out cheaper than the hotels. I'm looking into it now. Well seeing I got a rate increase