Reply to: Integrating with permies?

[chris79]

Well on my last gig they were insistent that I have a line manager (who was another contractor ), adhered to holiday rotas/quotas, shift rotas of their choosing, even refer to them as 'boss' etc..

Ultimately it got to the point where after arguing the toss over what was right and wrong with my 'contractor line manager', I turned down my last extension after 2yrs with them as it was causing so many problems in terms of our ability to get on within the team. Basically he would try and dictate to me permie type rules, and I would tell him he was not entitled to do so, and that he should also respect his position as a contractor and that the client (large blue chip) clearly had no concept or clue of how the situation should work or be setup.

This is clearly one of the problems doing longer term gigs, it gets to the point where they expect you to be 'integrated'. It was a simple choice, either put up or shut up, but I'd quite simply had enough so said thanks but no thanks.

[SandyDown]

At my present gig , all the permies feel so sorry for me, they think am so much worse off than them, they think they are so much better than me having a permie job and I am having a contract job. Several times I have the permies come to me and say ‘I do hope you get offered a permie role soon’ I have a horror look on my face whenever they say that .
The programme manager constantly reassures me, and says loudly in front of everyone in the team ’Although Sandy is a contractor, I think she is just as part of the team as anyone else here’

They honestly believe its such a privilege to be a permie

[SandyDown]

My predecessor lost his contract for integrating with a permie in the toilets

[swamp]

Integrate on a professional level, but be wary down the pub. Only stay for one, and buy a round if it's your turn. When you know the lie of the land you can relax a bit, but you always have to keep your guard up.

Avoid discussing contracting, and never discuss rates, ever.

[Doggy Styles]

If you're too 'separate' you'll find yourself binned off for not being 'part of the team \ organisation.'

Like the contractor I was working alongside this summer. He's gone.

[BolshieBastard]

Pre IR35 I had no problem integrating with permies at places I worked. Now I try and remain (aloof?) a discreet separation from them.

If you're too 'separate' you'll find yourself binned off for not being 'part of the team \ organisation.'

[Paddy]

My predecessor lost his contract for integrating with a permie in the toilets

[Doggy Styles]

I integrate. But I make a point of taking luncheon alone.

[zara_backdog]

On the outside I'm their best friend happy to do the dirty work and help out with whatever is required, on the inside I'm a ruthless mercenary invoice machine.

I like it

Howver, there are people I still keep in touch with.

[voodooflux]

It depends on the gig, the culture of the place and how the permies behave.

WHS. I think I've been very lucky with my gigs so far - there was only one where contractors were definitely made to feel like outsiders.

[Fred Bloggs]

On the outside I'm their best friend happy to do the dirty work and help out with whatever is required, on the inside I'm a ruthless mercenary invoice machine.

Got it in one

[AlfredJPruffock]

Keep asking for loans from them - fiver till Monday - keep moaning about youve had another rate cut and how lucky they are now to have a well paid stable job etc etc

That will give them an artifical sense of superiority whilst you are laughing all the way to the ba- erm Federal Reserve ?

[gingerjedi]

On the outside I'm their best friend happy to do the dirty work and help out with whatever is required, on the inside I'm a ruthless mercenary invoice machine.

[ThomasSoerensen]

I always do jokes about not having smaller than a £50 note - and my new ferrari etcetc

Alas they are too thick to understand.......

[BrilloPad]

I always do jokes about not having smaller than a £50 note - and my new ferrari etcetc

Alas they are too thick to understand.......