Contract Extension - Cheeky Rise?

[ads1980]

Afternoon all,

I am just reaching the last month of my current 8 month contract. I was looking to get at least a 3 month extension but the client has this morning told me that they are short on work and that there might be some more coming up in the next few months but they dont know for sure. Because of this they have advised me that they are going to offer a 1 month rolling contract to me. I am not overly keen on this although I appreciate that as per my contract I am only ever as good as the 4 weeks notice period but do you think it is cheeky to put in for a rise in my daily rate because they have only offered me a month by month rolling extension?

[Fred Bloggs]

Don't ask = Definately don't get.

[Scrag Meister]

Don't ask = Definately don't get.

WFBS

Depends how much you want the raise, deal breaker?

Ask them and start looking while they decide.

[northernladuk]

Unless I was particularly unhappy or inconvenienced I wouldn't bother.

I would expect a rate rise if a) the market has changed or b) I have become more/invaluable to the client due to knowledge of their systems or niche area. Either way I expect to be in a strong situation to argue/prove this value going forward and in the best case the clients hands will be tied as it will cost a hell of a lot more to get rid and replace etc....

You haven't gone in to much detail but have not demostrated any of these points and are infact in a weak position due to there being little work. It is possible they are seeing this as a benefit to you and have possibly stuck their neck out to keep you on even on a rolling month in the offchance this new work comes up.

I would also expect to negotiate/argue my point. I quick question (unless they are expecting it) will always get a no, you have to prove it to them and prepare to fight your corner. Fighting your corner in a one month rolling quiet period isn't going to go down too well with the client.
People say if you don't ask you don't get. I would argue even if you ask you don't get. If you negotiate you might get but I just don't believe you are in a position to do this.

Personally in your case I would get my head down, work hard, prove my worth to the client, find work/make work and when finally he WANT's you then you are in a position to ask for a rise. If you ask them now you are effectively giving them two decisions. 1) do we give him a rise 2) and while we are on the topic do we can this one month thing and call him when the work comes. It opens a can of worms I don't think you want to be opened.

Don't rock the boat over a couple of months in a weak position. Suck it in until there is definate work and then play your joker.

[dynamicsaxcontractor]

Its like playing poker, you know best yourself when you can push for a bit extra and when its really not a good idea. I wouldnt ask for anything extra if it was a months contract unless I was hundreds of pounds off what I should be getting. Whats the point of arguing for £25 extra a day for a month if you risk the month completely?

Also need to add I rather discount my rate for short term contracts than long term, I would see that more of a sales tactic to get in or just have something to do for a month.

[Scrag Meister]

Where is your current rate in comparison to market rates for your skillset.

At the moment I am above the average for my skillset and happy with the rate I am getting.

No need to uneccesarily rock the boat sometimes.

As we know notice period means very little, they could stop giving you work tomorrow.

Perhaps a small raise in line with the fact that you consider a rolling month to unpredictable.

[deckster]

It's a pretty simple one to answer actually. Just play out the following conversation in your mind:

You: I'd like a rate increase please.
PM/HR bod: Why?
You: ...

If you see this going well, then go for it. If you haven't got a ready answer for 'Why', then probably best leave it...

[Wanderer]

It's a pretty simple one to answer actually. Just play out the following conversation in your mind:

You: I'd like a rate increase please.
PM/HR bod: Why?
You: ...

The only real answer to that one is:

Because I've just been offered another job which pays that rate.

Anything else is pissing in the wind

[northernladuk]

The only real answer to that one is:

Because I've just been offered another job which pays that rate.

Anything else is pissing in the wind

And to be honest to pull that one with a client that is struggling to warrant your time already is a bit of an own goal imo.

[Wanderer]

And to be honest to pull that one with a client that is struggling to warrant your time already is a bit of an own goal imo.

Absolutely! If you aren't prepared to walk then don't do it. If there is no other job in the offing then as you say, keep your head down and don't make waves.