Reply to: First night away from family :-(

[kandr]

One night away from the family hmm finding it tough ... I can only suggest you invest in some waterproof sheets

[xoggoth]

I had a winter contract in Blackpool. The upside is really good value accomodation, plenty of holiday flats for a short term let. You can even get a B&B for about £15 without sharing with a carnie who puts pins through his cheeks for a living. The downside is nowt much to do in evening apart from play House of the Dead in the arcades or go to gay bars.

[Pondlife]

My approach,

If it's more than a 6 month gig, get a flat (share)

If you are going to stay in B&Bs or Hotels, then find a decent one - It's a tax deductable expense so don't just go for the cheapest you can find. I know that in theory it's just a bed and a shower but I hate the thought of working all day and dreading having to go back to some poxy little room with an old uncomfortable threadbare bed. errggghh.

[MrMark]

It's cos its the first time, it means I am doing the contractor thing now, not just being a contractor locally which means getting paid a lot but living similar to a permie.

Also if I work away in future to a non-commutable distance I will make sure to take them with me.

It's the food and drink that I think you have to watch when working away. That waistline soon expands, and it's a lot harder to bring back into shape.

[Mich the Tester]

Apologies to the OP, but I can't believe that a "contractor" thinks one night away from family is newsworthy or in any way harsh.

WHS

Integral part of contracting if you don't live in a big city with lots of work. Just make it as pleasant as possible by finding a small, friendly hotel or B&B and somewhere good to eat.

[Ignis Fatuus]

Like Zippy said, get yourself a few mates where you work, a nice local, somewhere to watch the footie and you'll forget about the family soon enough. Divorce is problematic but its over reasonably quickly, well mine was.

How I wish that were a joke

[MaryPoppins]

What do you mean "like 6 accidents" - is that 6 accidents, 5 accidents? or what?

As to "taken it out of me" I was rammed by some bint in a Range Rover who was too busy running her brick supplies business from her car too be bothered looking out of the big window in the front on the way in on Monday, I still made it into clientco and did a full days work - but then I don't try to drive home daft distances.

I don't consider 60 miles a daft distance, unless you're darn sarf. 3 hours driving per day is my limit, I think that's perfectly do-able.

[BoredBloke]

In the past 10 years I've only managed 36 months on commutable jobs. It was hard to do the first time, but needs must. Now, while neither my wife or me like it, it's the norm. At least I'm in the same country on this one!

[FiveTimes]

It's cos its the first time, it means I am doing the contractor thing now, not just being a contractor locally which means getting paid a lot but living similar to a permie.

Also if I work away in future to a non-commutable distance I will make sure to take them with me.

Its tough living away, I'm sure we have all done it but you can't be serious about taking the family with you while working away ?

[Sysman]

Dependent on the role, for a sixty miler I would probably drive some days and stay over others pulling a couple of late days/evenings, then heading back early on Friday. I'm on a 90 mile round trip at the mo but it's taking 45-60 each way max.

I think some of the others who stay away do this.

I did a year of similar and did a deal with a local pub. I negotiated a cheap rate* in the winter months when they were mainly empty, and that rate held into summer. Got sick of the pub menu after a while, but there were plenty of other places to eat.

* it was a tenner a night including a superb breakfast, plus meals/beers. The petrol came to 8 quid per round trip, so it really was a no brainer.

[Scrag Meister]

It's always tough the first time you have to be away but it gets easier.

Like Zippy said, get yourself a few mates where you work, a nice local, somewhere to watch the footie and you'll forget about the family soon enough. Divorce is problematic but its over reasonably quickly, well mine was.

[NorthWestPerm2Contr]

Apologies to the OP, but I can't believe that a "contractor" thinks one night away from family is newsworthy or in any way harsh.

It's cos its the first time, it means I am doing the contractor thing now, not just being a contractor locally which means getting paid a lot but living similar to a permie.

Also if I work away in future to a non-commutable distance I will make sure to take them with me.

[NorthWestPerm2Contr]

De Vere as in Herons Reach? Can't find anything cheaper than that in Blackpool? I know the place is full of skanky B&B's but a bit of research could find a nice cheap quiet one just off the beaten track and have place to yourself?

I thought I would spoil myself as it's first night away, but mainly wanted to watch the match, other b&bs said they didnt have sky, so I went with De Vere.

As it turns out I shouldnt have bothered for both reasons. Hotel was awful and game was even worse. I will be staying in a 9.99 b & b from now on.

[Zippy]

It's always tough the first time you have to be away but it gets easier.

[suityou01]

Apologies to the OP, but I can't believe that a "contractor" thinks one night away from family is newsworthy or in any way harsh.

You're not making comments about his family are you