How do IT contractors from out-of-town find places to live?
Asked by lambert_58
I'm a mainframe programmer, and I've always been a full-time employee, so I know nothing about being a consultant. If you accept a contract to work in another city, is it your responsibility to find somewhere to live or does the contracting company provide housing? Do contractors typically live out of a hotel room during the week and drive home on the weekends? The whole housing/travel thing sounds like a real hassle.

Best Answer:
It can be a hassle. I've actually been on both sides of it. For years, I travelled working as a contract programmer and eventually, when I got tired of living out of a suitcase, I got a house and started renting the rooms out short-term to other consultants who were doing the same. Yes, you are almost always responsible for finding your own place to live, etc. You need to make sure you're charging enough to cover those extra expenses, too. If you need to look for a place, you can usually find something listed on craigslist.org (at least in most major metropolitan areas.) You can also try the local "alternative" newspapers (or at least their online versions.) The most expensive route is using those by-the-week hotel places. It can be done, but I don't recommend it for any gig that lasts more than a month.
former road warrior and reformed computer programmer
Answered by ISOintelligentlife

IF WITHIN A THREE OR FOUR HOUR DRIVE FROM HOME, MOST STAY IN AN EXTENDED STAY MOTEL DURING THE WEEK AND DRIVE HOME FOR THE WEEKEND. IT IS A HASSLE. GOOD COMPANIES PROVIDE APARTMENTS IN MANY CASES AS PART OF THE PACKAGE. BUT, IF THE PAY IN GOOD THEN TAKE THE WORK, IT BEATS NOT EARNING ANYTHING. AT LEAST YOU ARE IN THE SAME PLACE FOR FIVE DAYS; JUST THINK ABOUT THE OVER THE ROAD SALESMAN THAT STAYS IN A DIFFERENT SPOT EVERY NIGHT OR SO.
Answered by H. A

depends on what the company is offering to do to get you to work for them. to buy a place check out mls.com
Answered by pj_mark115

The whole travel thing did get old for my husband. He had someone find a suite to live in - a hotel room with a mini kitchen - and you had an expense account. It depends on the co. how this works. Some had a travel department and made all the arrangements others were smaller co's and you did it and they paid you back. The ++ is you get to work in new places, get to meet new people and travel (Which can get old) you also rack up bonus flying miles though. It seriously depends on a co. how big they are or if you are a lone consultant doing your own - business you make your own arrangements. You can always ask the co. you are going to for advice.
Answered by kelly e