A question of time and distance for freelancers/contractors
Discussion
Before I ask the question, I'll explain the scenario.
Currently in the middle of a contract with a big US owned firm in the North Midlands (J16 of M6). Hourly rate isn't to be sniffed at, bit too far to travel daily so renting a room in a house locally. (Works out about the same as B&B, but more like home) About 1.5 hours from home which is North Miseryside.
I'm not looking for a contract actively, as I'm 99% certain that this will be extended to Christmas.
I get an average of 2 phone calls a week from RC's and 15 emails about contracts and permanent jobs I 'might' be interested.
Today I had 2 calls. One was a contract role in Farnham, only 240 miles away, 5 hours by car I reckon, or 5.5 hours by pubic train sport and 3 or 4 changes of train.
The other was the Island that is Man. RC tells me the flight is about £23 and less than 30 mins. which is bulls
t. It's twice that but doable. I'd be interested if the RC wasn't fkxley. You know who I mean ? I won't deal with them if I can help it. I'd rather cure my own short sightedness with an electric drill
I never say no, so I told them both an hourly rate that I think will definitely close the door in my face.
So the question is : How far is too far?
Currently in the middle of a contract with a big US owned firm in the North Midlands (J16 of M6). Hourly rate isn't to be sniffed at, bit too far to travel daily so renting a room in a house locally. (Works out about the same as B&B, but more like home) About 1.5 hours from home which is North Miseryside.
I'm not looking for a contract actively, as I'm 99% certain that this will be extended to Christmas.
I get an average of 2 phone calls a week from RC's and 15 emails about contracts and permanent jobs I 'might' be interested.
Today I had 2 calls. One was a contract role in Farnham, only 240 miles away, 5 hours by car I reckon, or 5.5 hours by pubic train sport and 3 or 4 changes of train.
The other was the Island that is Man. RC tells me the flight is about £23 and less than 30 mins. which is bulls
t. It's twice that but doable. I'd be interested if the RC wasn't fkxley. You know who I mean ? I won't deal with them if I can help it. I'd rather cure my own short sightedness with an electric drillI never say no, so I told them both an hourly rate that I think will definitely close the door in my face.
So the question is : How far is too far?
Only you know that based upon risk/reward values that you can relate to. How much you value family/friends/time in own home v a more unsettled lifestyle is a personal choice as you are unique. Not helpful I suspect. Why not put down on paper your thoughts about this in Pro/Con columns and see what it throws up; you have to be really honest with yourself though and this can be the difficult bit. Good luck!
rog007 said:
Only you know that based upon risk/reward values that you can relate to. How much you value family/friends/time in own home v a more unsettled lifestyle is a personal choice as you are unique. Not helpful I suspect. Why not put down on paper your thoughts about this in Pro/Con columns and see what it throws up; you have to be really honest with yourself though and this can be the difficult bit. Good luck!
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