Extended again...stick or twist?

[northernladuk]

You've mentioned all the tangibles but not mentioned if you actually enjoy the work, it's challenging and it's not ruining your CV for future roles. If these three boxes are ticked then it's definitely a stick for me. I personally wouldn't ask for a rate increase at this point after having one last year. The likelihood of getting one seems a little slim so I would bank it this time and try not to look like a greedy contractor asking for a rate rise too often. I would however be back on the case come the next renewal. I think it's borderline though, I don't think it will do any harm but I'd try and play the client rather than just coming cap in hand too often. Personal choice this one IMO.

[SteelyDan]

You've mentioned all the tangibles but not mentioned if you actually enjoy the work, it's challenging and it's not ruining your CV for future roles. If these three boxes are ticked then it's definitely a stick for me. I personally wouldn't ask for a rate increase at this point after having one last year. The likelihood of getting one seems a little slim so I would bank it this time and try not to look like a greedy contractor asking for a rate rise too often. I would however be back on the case come the next renewal. I think it's borderline though, I don't think it will do any harm but I'd try and play the client rather than just coming cap in hand too often. Personal choice this one IMO.

Yeah, as ever (you & others) good points (appreciated) and the reason for the post really...bouncing thoughts/ideas.

Yes, I do enjoy the work/the role & the situation generally especially given the autonomy I have; I feel quite fortunate in many respects. I work across multiple projects/teams/parts of the business, so there's variation in what I'm doing, which keeps it kinda interesting.

Is it ruining my chances for further roles? Hmm, not sure, but feel at times I'd like a new environment to keep things fresh, but as someone has already pointed out, it could be a complete 5hit-hole with a micro-manager...that wouldn't end well

Plus, I know that the longer I'm there, the greater value I'm adding...otherwise why would they need me? There's no-one else with the skillset, hence me being continually extended, & beyond 2 year point, & the thinking about pushing a bit more on rates.

It's a weird one & a bit of a dichotomy; I much prefer short sharp assignments to be honest; get in, fix it, move on. Problem is, you never know where the next gig will be, and you end up back in the melting pot at the mercy of recruiters.

With this assignment, yes there are several projects where I get in, fix it, move onto the next, but can't help feeling I'm getting 'sucked into the machine'...and, dare I say it...beginning to actually care about things at a business level.

I think for now, I'll just crack on, bank it, and cross this bridge further down the line. Cheers.

[SteelyDan]

An increase of 30% implies that you were either on a very low rate to begin with or you have a lot of leverage with the client (or a combination). If more towards the latter, I wouldn't take the p*ss, but I'd also ask for a reasonable increase, as you haven't had one for a while. If you're valued, the likely worst case scenario is they say no, and you then decide whether to push it.

Yeah, more this tbh: As mentioned in earlier post, they don't have resource with my skills; work is piling up, much to do etc.