the maoster:
R420:
Yep. I’ve said it in other threads, agency work is approx 80% politics and 20% work/driving. You can be the best driver in the world but if you don’t figure out the politics of who’s who, who the main agency supplier is, what they’re paying, what they’re charging, who the first choice regulars are and who the people are in the office that liaise with the agencies to book the drivers, you’re wasting your time. It’s all about getting ‘in’ with the right crowd of long-termers and office staff, timing your visits to the coffee machine and cig shelter to coincide with theirs so you get talking and you build up a rapport. The jigsaw pieces slowly come together and if you don’t [zb] it up you’ll eventually get your name close to the top of the list when they need drivers.Ain’t that the truth ^^^ ?
I may not be the crunchiest cookie in the box (otherwise I’d be wearing a sharp suit instead of peddling tat up and down our mortorways) but I’m smart enough to figure out how things works in the real world. During my foray into limpdom I quickly figured that it’s all about doing what’s best for you by maximising your potential. I’m not talking about sucking the proverbial or kissing ■■■, I’m talking about being the “go to” guy every single time, be that guy and you’ll maximise your earning potential, and let’s be honest here, none of us work for the kudos of being a lorryist, it’s all about putting food on the table. If you find that your stance is getting in the way of that you need to adjust your stance or switch careers.
True. But, it’s a fine balancing act being the ‘go to’ guy. Get the balance wrong and you become the doormat . Seen it happen with a few guys who think they’re ‘in’ with the office but they get the ■■■■ taken out of them with “can you just nip” after a 12-13 hr shift. The balance is mostly dictated by how friendly you are with the people/person who needs you to help them out. If you’re friendly then you have a greater scope to politely refuse their request without it causing conflict and resentment, but this must be coupled with a history of helping them out on plenty of past occasions to give you more ‘weight’.
Some office staff will take a weekly back-hander to ensure you’re in all the time too. Just add a couple of hours of overtime to your time sheet and make sure they are present in the office to sign it for you at the end of the week. Not difficult to slip them a couple of 20s when you happen to bump into them at the coffee machine. Keeps the wheels of business greased and running smoothly.