Home or away

[Lockhouse]

Which would you take? The right role away from home involving a lot of travel and some staying away, or a less correct role but near home with a gentle commute and the chance to see your own bed on a regular basis.

Only one question - "What's it worth?"

[VectraMan]

Depends on the type of commute. I wouldn't think twice about driving for an hour to get to a gig, but the idea of getting into central London fills me with total dread. It's also a lot easier to do through the summer when it's light.

[TheFaQQer]

I've been lucky enough to be working from home for just over 27 months now, having spent 10 years travelling.

I'd always prefer to be at home. When my children hit puberty, I'm heading back on the road for another 10 years, though!

[SimonMac]

Which would you take? The right role away from home involving a lot of travel and some staying away, or a less correct role but near home with a gentle commute and the chance to see your own bed on a regular basis.

I am in that boat at the moment, two gigs very close to home. One is a junior role but only £40 a day less than my last extension offer, the other is again close but very bob intensive (albeit with a client that will look good on my CV).

At the same time I am also quite keen on a London based gig with a big IB, which will look excellent on my CV, sounds really interesting but will be a pain in the arse to work on.

A year or two ago I would have taken any offer when benched, but now the warchest is looking a bit more protestant I can be choosy in what roles I take

[Ignis Fatuus]

Which would you take? The right role away from home involving a lot of travel and some staying away, or a less correct role but near home with a gentle commute and the chance to see your own bed on a regular basis.

I'd bite the darling agent's arm off for a role that would let me get home every night. Haven't had one for over 10 years. Weekly commute was fun at first (hey, I'm travelling to other places and getting paid for it!) but now it feels like I have thrown a large part of my life down the drain for it.

[GB9]

I have learned that money makes me happier than good/correct work, and most of the times great projects and enjoyable contracts are illusions.

Partially agree with that. There are good ones out there but not many and its just luck as to whether or not you get one. I've learned not to have any expectations past the next contract now.

I did exactly that, regretted it as the role was pants, came to extension time and I turned down another 6 months in favour on a role much further away but which was a much better fit and was where I wanted to be going technology wise (more £££ obviously which helps).

And I agree with this too. I've actually opted for the distance one as its a better fit with what I have done and will be trying to do in the future. I will actually be worse off against the nearer one though.

[kal]

Which would you take? The right role away from home involving a lot of travel and some staying away, or a less correct role but near home with a gentle commute and the chance to see your own bed on a regular basis.

I did exactly that, regretted it as the role was pants, came to extension time and I turned down another 6 months in favour on a role much further away but which was a much better fit and was where I wanted to be going technology wise (more £££ obviously which helps).

[tranceporter]

But would you take one that wasn't really what you do just because it was closer / easier?

I would. After driving 30k miles last year, and travelling 3 hours daily by train this year, I must say that I do not have much time left to do anything else apart from dinner and sleep. After a while it starts to get boring. The one closer to me would appeal me more, since I can spend more time with family and earn decent money. You could always brush up later, or massage your cv for the next "correct gig". With whatever little contracting experience I have, I have learned that money makes me happier than good/correct work, and most of the times great projects and enjoyable contracts are illusions.

[GB9]

Ones further away incurr expense. I subtract this and a bit more from my day rate when looking at local roles. Still can't bloody get any though!

But would you take one that wasn't really what you do just because it was closer / easier?

[BoredBloke]

Ones further away incurr expense. I subtract this and a bit more from my day rate when looking at local roles. Still can't bloody get any though!

[GB9]

Bearing in mind you are only as good as your last gig what does 'less correct' mean?

Could you put even less information in so any kinda of answer is based on nothing please. Thanks.

I'm sure you know your skill set and what you could do really well (the 'correct one'). I'm also sure you could have a go at something close to what you have done before but that you know isn't really in your usual line of work. I currently have an offer of both. The 'correct one' is the one away from home. The 'I would have a go at it' is near home with some good guys I know well, but i'm pretty sure isn't something I should really do.

[northernladuk]

Bearing in mind you are only as good as your last gig what does 'less correct' mean?

Could you put even less information in so any kinda of answer is based on nothing please. Thanks.

[GB9]

Which would you take? The right role away from home involving a lot of travel and some staying away, or a less correct role but near home with a gentle commute and the chance to see your own bed on a regular basis.