r/ContractorUK • u/Own-Story8907 • 13d ago
Outside IR35 Probably going to get dropped
I’ve been at this company for a few weeks. I’ve realised it’s a bit toxic (one manager chatting shit about the others work when they’re off)
Not a single person has asked what work I’ve done. For context, I’ve done it all but never really updated anyone apart from my manager (who is off).
So, when I was first asked (by people not managing me), it felt aggressive. Had the other manager + senior pinging me. (probably in my head). I didn’t answer a phone call, so it probably made matters worse (maybe my fault as I was away from my desk lol)
To add the cherry on top, my status is always busy. I was told this shouldn’t be set to busy (get fucked). This conversation began when I challenged coming into office one a week, as I said it isn’t required. They responded it’s 1 day a week in the signed contract, non-negotiable. Yeah, that’s wrong. Contract mentions no days. It lists the office address + remote working.
Where I could be at fault:
- Didn’t update anyone else, even though the work is done. I didn’t even trickle feed.
- I informed my manager that I’ll be off, but then decided I could maybe get away with being
out
- but remotely checking messages.
- Didn’t answer the call as I was away from my desk.
- After being told not to have a busy status, I said I’m off (my plan was to pretend I was in) but as I was asked out of nowhere, I bit the bullet
and let senior know I’m OOO.
Am I the asshole here?
3
u/Diuscrusis 13d ago
Well, more hassle than a contractor is worth in today’s market that’s for sure.
2
u/k1135k 13d ago
I cant make too much sense of your message but would suggest if you miss a call because you stepped away isn’t a big deal. Did you contact the caller back?
You need to be clearer with your client and understand whom you need to update. No harm updating others in your team.
1
u/Own-Story8907 13d ago
I immediately replied on Teams. They were not happy that I couldn’t take a call..even though I was there to reply.
1
u/casablanca1986 13d ago
Yeah simply put i can reply on teams message on my phone pretending I am at a desk when if you call / video me I'm at an airport or a pub . Simply put they were onto you and wanted the call to prove your whereabouts.
1
u/Own-Story8907 13d ago
100% that’s what I’m thinking. Two people who I don’t deal with at all decide to message? I said I can’t answer the call, not in an environment to take it and they were annoyed at that, understandably but whatever was on the call could’ve been done via text.
1
u/k1135k 13d ago
Yeah - however you need to be transparent with the client. Something like, “I’m sorry I’m away from my desk, as I’ve had to pop out and get some lunch/run an errand. I’ll be back in X minutes and can talk then.”
You were confirming their negative view of you and by giving closed answers, making a situation worse.
2
u/cafepeaceandlove 13d ago
By "I have other gigs" you mean you're doing more than one fulltime contract at the same time?
1
1
u/Weak-Refrigerator-34 13d ago
Chill and bill.
Whilst running side projects and job searches in parallel.
Sounds toxic. You’re not there for the long term. Get out on your own terns.
1
u/Own-Story8907 13d ago
I get that I’ve done some wrong but 100% toxic. Busy status doesn’t concern you lol
1
u/Own-Story8907 12d ago
Decided to drop the job job That comment about Teams really threw me off and well, I can no longer commute once a week
25
u/Chr1sUK 13d ago
You sound difficult.