Any other contractors had this sort of conversation.
Discussion
Before I start, let me agree, that I'm aware of my own motivational and behavioural quirks, and during the last 4 years contracting I've been valued by the 3 hiring managers I've had. So much so that in all cases it was made clear that they would make a full time job available if I wanted it (although not at a salary that would ever tempt me)
I have no career aspirations and just like to be valued for what I know, whilst learning how to do stuff that I didn't know.
Basically I keep the hiring manager happy and I don't want his job.
Current role and hiring manager is different. He's a cross between Mrs Bucket and David Brent, highly aspirational and ambitious. Bit of a bull s
tter too.
Now I'm working on warranty issues, and have to interact with a commercial manager, who isn't my boss, but is never ever happy. He's not happy because he can't cope with the idea that someone goes off and applies his own methods and priorities to stuff, rather than does exactly what he's instructed. FFS The instructions are so vague, that I'm solving your problem, rather than listening to how you want it fixed. I could let you micro manage me, but you'd hate it.
So, the previous contractor was "asked" to leave after a very bad meeting with a customer, and I was his replacement. Maybe I should have been wary before joining knowing that, but if it pays the bills, and is legal.
So this morning I am invited in for a one to one, with david bucket, and he starts by talking about why 5 months ago he had to ask this other guy to leave, and I suddenly realise this is a preamble to a ballocking. and it is. So the commercial manager isn't happy, and how he's lost confidence, but then as I start to defend myself and the work I've done, he starts backing off, and admits yes the customers are happy, and then he's telling me that he still fully intends to renew my contract at the end of 6 months (6 weeks away), because I've got the skills and experience he needs etc etc.
Obviously he's a bullstter, and the other guy is a tt, so I'm seeing it as a dangling the carrot to the end, pretending that it's going to happen. I'm certain that in the next 6 weeks I'll find another contract, but It's definitely a new one for me.
Daft thing is that about 4 weeks ago he asked me what it would take to get me to take a permanent contract, and I gave him a figure that was silly, and he pretended that he would see what he could do. Get laughed at by the MD I would think. It was a stupid figure.
I have no career aspirations and just like to be valued for what I know, whilst learning how to do stuff that I didn't know.
Basically I keep the hiring manager happy and I don't want his job.
Current role and hiring manager is different. He's a cross between Mrs Bucket and David Brent, highly aspirational and ambitious. Bit of a bull s
tter too. Now I'm working on warranty issues, and have to interact with a commercial manager, who isn't my boss, but is never ever happy. He's not happy because he can't cope with the idea that someone goes off and applies his own methods and priorities to stuff, rather than does exactly what he's instructed. FFS The instructions are so vague, that I'm solving your problem, rather than listening to how you want it fixed. I could let you micro manage me, but you'd hate it.
So, the previous contractor was "asked" to leave after a very bad meeting with a customer, and I was his replacement. Maybe I should have been wary before joining knowing that, but if it pays the bills, and is legal.
So this morning I am invited in for a one to one, with david bucket, and he starts by talking about why 5 months ago he had to ask this other guy to leave, and I suddenly realise this is a preamble to a ballocking. and it is. So the commercial manager isn't happy, and how he's lost confidence, but then as I start to defend myself and the work I've done, he starts backing off, and admits yes the customers are happy, and then he's telling me that he still fully intends to renew my contract at the end of 6 months (6 weeks away), because I've got the skills and experience he needs etc etc.
Obviously he's a bulls
tter, and the other guy is a tt, so I'm seeing it as a dangling the carrot to the end, pretending that it's going to happen. I'm certain that in the next 6 weeks I'll find another contract, but It's definitely a new one for me. Daft thing is that about 4 weeks ago he asked me what it would take to get me to take a permanent contract, and I gave him a figure that was silly, and he pretended that he would see what he could do. Get laughed at by the MD I would think. It was a stupid figure.
Definitely. Painfully, the hourly rate is £5 more than the "normal" going rate, but the hours are stricter (which is another thing that pissed me off, as I don't mind putting in the hours and doing the job quicker, but only if I'm being paid), so in fact there would be a slight drop in turnover, for a happier customer.
MagicalTrevor said:
Call their bluff and get another contract, if they're being tts then, as a contractor, you have be ability to be mobile when the time comes.
Just applied for 7 contracts via jobsite, since my last post. It usually takes 3 weeks from starting to look, to getting a contract in my hand that I'm happy to sign. We shall see. ts then, as a contractor, you have be ability to be mobile when the time comes.
Additional weird conversation.
Hiring manager has told me, that when he was recruiting he told the agencies (3 of them) a target salary, that he would deem acceptable, for a permanent employee, and that somehow, he's ended up paying a lot more than he had budgeted for, as in double.
I made the stupid mistake of assuming he knew my hourly rate, and should not have divulged it, but DOH... should have said, "That's confidential. You have a contract with the agency, and they are free to pay me what they want"
I did point out that whilst it was more than my previous contract, the difference was less than inflation, and I would not have applied for a rate lower than advertised.
I assume this is a precursor to either a) trying to renegotiate my hourly rate, or b) not keeping the verbal promises of follow on work after the end of May.
Or he really is stupid, and he fked up and didn't read the small print in the agencies contract.
Hiring manager has told me, that when he was recruiting he told the agencies (3 of them) a target salary, that he would deem acceptable, for a permanent employee, and that somehow, he's ended up paying a lot more than he had budgeted for, as in double.
I made the stupid mistake of assuming he knew my hourly rate, and should not have divulged it, but DOH... should have said, "That's confidential. You have a contract with the agency, and they are free to pay me what they want"
I did point out that whilst it was more than my previous contract, the difference was less than inflation, and I would not have applied for a rate lower than advertised.
I assume this is a precursor to either a) trying to renegotiate my hourly rate, or b) not keeping the verbal promises of follow on work after the end of May.
Or he really is stupid, and he f
ked up and didn't read the small print in the agencies contract. shtu said:
Sounds to me like a build-up to,
"We can't afford to pay the contract rate, but can offer a job at £salary, take it or leave it."
It turns out it was a build up to, we can't afford the rates of any contractors, and we are giving you a weeks notice so you can tidy up all the things we've had you juggling. "We can't afford to pay the contract rate, but can offer a job at £salary, take it or leave it."
Yes we'll give you a good reference, etc etc .........
Now the ironic thing about this conversation was a text from a previous client, saying "Got 2 yes's, waiting for one more nod, and then should be able to sort paperwork. What start date would you like ?"
Should I start counting chickens ?
So, last Thursday was my last day, and they are paying me for this week too.
Got new one in the bag, just awaiting paperwork and a start date.
But the agency at the old place rang me, and said another part of the same organisation about 60 miles away needs someone with my skills, and would I be interested. Hiring manager is someone I've dealt with a couple of times.
So that will be interesting. Wonder if I'll get an interview ?
Got new one in the bag, just awaiting paperwork and a start date.
But the agency at the old place rang me, and said another part of the same organisation about 60 miles away needs someone with my skills, and would I be interested. Hiring manager is someone I've dealt with a couple of times.
So that will be interesting. Wonder if I'll get an interview ?
I've had my fingers burnt by that before!New POD said:
So, last Thursday was my last day, and they are paying me for this week too.
Got new one in the bag, just awaiting paperwork and a start date.
But the agency at the old place rang me, and said another part of the same organisation about 60 miles away needs someone with my skills, and would I be interested. Hiring manager is someone I've dealt with a couple of times.
So that will be interesting. Wonder if I'll get an interview ?
The cynic in me says that's not a done deal.Got new one in the bag, just awaiting paperwork and a start date.
But the agency at the old place rang me, and said another part of the same organisation about 60 miles away needs someone with my skills, and would I be interested. Hiring manager is someone I've dealt with a couple of times.
So that will be interesting. Wonder if I'll get an interview ?
MagicalTrevor said:
Finally, after a lot of toing and froing, my first contract was confirmed today. Paperwork in the next couple of days. Moving from permie into a contract role in 4 weeks time 
Happy as a pig in poo
You will never EVER look back. Ltd Company formed ? Look on HMRC website reference: flat rate VAT scheme. Happy as a pig in poo
Kudos said:
New POD said:
Ltd Company formed ? Look on HMRC website reference: flat rate VAT scheme.
Neither are a good fit for everyoneAs for the Flat Rate, Well if you expenses don't have that much VAT on them, (Cheap B&B's that are not vat registered being my biggest cost apart from 45p a mile travel) then it's going to be better
New POD said:
Most engineering conglomerates, won't deal with any freelancer who isn't a ltd company, and will only deal with them via a recruitment agency, but from a tax point of view I personally find it 'better' than being self employed.
As for the Flat Rate, Well if you expenses don't have that much VAT on them, (Cheap B&B's that are not vat registered being my biggest cost apart from 45p a mile travel) then it's going to be better
Most companies will not deal directly anyway, they will deal with an agency. As for the Flat Rate, Well if you expenses don't have that much VAT on them, (Cheap B&B's that are not vat registered being my biggest cost apart from 45p a mile travel) then it's going to be better
Unless turnover >£150k as well IIRC, then not a good fit for flat rate.
I'm not saying its not the right thing, just not always the right thing
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