Week off.

[VectraMan]

Got contract number three today. Yaay! Am I a real contractor yet?

Of course this happened just as my current client offered me an extra month, which of course I'll turn down. But I have a week off inbetween contracts, which I really feel like I need after 7 months of doing every working day. But of course now I'm wondering if I should tell the current client I'll do an extra week (which I think they'll go for). On the one hand, I really want a week off; on the other hand, I'm throwing away a 4 figure sum so I can doss around at home watching daytime TV. I hate decisions.

Maybe if I was a real contractor I wouldn't need to think about it.

[Gonzo]

No contest

Have the week off with the comfort of knowing you have another gig lined up and enjoy the week.

I had last week off mid-gig, its the best way to stay sane. I feel great now.

[Francko]

Got contract number three today. Yaay! Am I a real contractor yet?

Of course this happened just as my current client offered me an extra month, which of course I'll turn down. But I have a week off inbetween contracts, which I really feel like I need after 7 months of doing every working day. But of course now I'm wondering if I should tell the current client I'll do an extra week (which I think they'll go for). On the one hand, I really want a week off; on the other hand, I'm throwing away a 4 figure sum so I can doss around at home watching daytime TV. I hate decisions.

Maybe if I was a real contractor I wouldn't need to think about it.

True. But on the other hand I would consider two factors:

1) there is only one life despite what Chico says

2) if you are married you will only enjoy no more than 50% of your earnings if you keep working all the time

[swamp]

Take the week off. Definately between gigs you should, otherwise you'll feel washed out in a few months' time and you won't be at your best.

Another good tip is to take a week off between extensions, whereby they add a week to the finish day. Then it doesn't feel like you're 'losing' money

[SandyDown]

Take the week off. Definately between gigs you should, otherwise you'll feel washed out in a few months' time and you won't be at your best.

completely agree

[VectraMan]

Yes I'd pretty much talked myself into taking the week off. Extra money is tempting, but you have to be realistic and actually by the time the 6 months on the new contract is up, I will have worked roughly 49 weeks out of 52 which I think is enough for me not to feel guilty.

Thanks for the advice.

[GeorgeGregan]

Yes I'd pretty much talked myself into taking the week off. Extra money is tempting, but you have to be realistic and actually by the time the 6 months on the new contract is up, I will have worked roughly 49 weeks out of 52 which I think is enough for me not to feel guilty.

Thanks for the advice.

Yes good advice from all, I have been working without a break since August last year, now a very busy time on the project I'm on so I'll be there a few months longer as well, and I can tell you the extra money isn't worth being burned out and cynical for. You just spend it on big nights out anyway trying to relax.

[MarillionFan]

"Got contract number three today. Yaay! Am I a real contractor yet?"

Done 9 pieces of work this year for different clients. Does this make me unemployable?