Foo - feeling of impending doom...

So, Im a contractor at a company. And my direct boss at the client site was out last week.

And they always tell us that as consultants, remember "perception is reality". Well last week, I had the flu thursday and friday, and I left a little bit early wednesday (like 20 minutes or so). I provided all the proper notice for these days, but the secretary who sits somewhat by me doesnt remember seeing me monday or tuesday late afternoon, and I didnt send any emails those afternoons. I left around 4 both days, and had been in one of the hallway tables/impromptu meeting rooms taking advantage of natural light, and pacing a bit in the hallway trying to solve an issue I've been working on.

I have been a consultant here almost a year, and prior to this week have had no incidents of any kind. Further, they have told me repeatedly how happy they are with my work. In fact, they wanted to hire me until I found out I was moving. Theyre even looking at backfilling my slot with the person i recommended because i know my role so well.

Being sick most of the week, and not thinking about perception as much as i normally would have (i normally wouldnt because ive never had this happen before), I didnt bother to come back to my desk, as I didnt have anything to take home.

So now, for the first time in my several year history as a consultant, my hours are being disputed. I never bill overtime, and either bill 40 or under. I volunteered to bosses boss (who i have a good relationship with) that it is important to me they have no concerns, so I would be happy to adjust my hours for last week to whatever they are comfortable with, and going forward I will be glad to email them when I get in to or leave from work so I can be certain my timesheet matches my hours. That's the plan we're going with for now, but the bosses boss isnt sure what he's required to do by company rules (consultants are second class citizens here, though my department has never treated me that way).

My consultant boss said not to worry until he hears something, but with the move to Boston in July and the wedding in September, not being employed is not an option.

I just have a really bad feeling about all this.

Man, you've been proactive and spoken to mgmt about their concerns, not much more you can do, at this point, unless you want to pursue backup contingency plans in the event of a worst case scenario. Good thoughts your way. Maybe nothing will come of it.

Man, you've been proactive and spoken to mgmt about their concerns, not much more you can do, at this point, unless you want to pursue backup contingency plans in the event of a worst case scenario. Good thoughts your way. Maybe nothing will come of it.


It seems like agreeing to alter my sheet for last week, and then send emails when i get in and leave has defused the situation. I'll know better this afternoon.

I would stock up on horse heads, just in case.

It seems like agreeing to alter my sheet for last week, and then send emails when i get in and leave has defused the situation. I'll know better this afternoon.

That's BS. You shouldn't have to change the hours you worked just because they have no evidence that you were there. Christ, these companies...

It sounds like they have no reason not to take you at your word. There is probably pressure from the upper echelons of management to justify and prove every expenditure, especially when it comes to labor.

What I fear is that your agreeing to modify your time records could be construed as an implicit confession that you overbilled them for time, which they can then use against you later. I'm not trying to be paranoid, but as they say, "perception is reality."