Assumed extensions - when is it cool to tell client no thanks?

[TestMangler]

True for 9 out of 10 contracts. However the occasional gig will just keep renewing, often where they employ an army of contractors. If you have been renewed 8 times, and all parties expect a further renewal, and the client tends to wait until the last 3 days to tell you (rare I agree), then don't wait for the last 3 days. Let them know in advance you won't be seeking renewal, so they can do a replacement/handover.

And they could equally turn round to you with 3 days or less and say, oh sorry, forgot to tell you we won't be renewing again.

So, as I said originally, you can't turn an extension down until it exists in the first place.

See NLUK's post above for the reasons why 'assuming' contract extensions from either side is a bad idea.

[jmo21]

So, as I said originally, you can't turn an extension down until it exists in the first place.

Maybe it's being pedantic, but what you can do is push the conversation forward, by saying "my contract finishes in 4 weeks, and I would like to begin a formal handover process".

As soon as they say anything about an extension, even if it is "oh we might possibly find budget to extend" etc, then you can say you will not be extending for whatever reason, real or made up.

I'd have no qualms doing that. And I'd argue you'd actually be helping a disorganised client out by doing that too.

[LondonManc]

Maybe it's being pedantic, but what you can do is push the conversation forward, by saying "my contract finishes in 4 weeks, and I would like to begin a formal handover process".

As soon as they say anything about an extension, even if it is "oh we might possibly find budget to extend" etc, then you can say you will not be extending for whatever reason, real or made up.

I'd have no qualms doing that. And I'd argue you'd actually be helping a disorganised client out by doing that too.

Totally agree. Professional exit.

[northernladuk]

Maybe it's being pedantic, but what you can do is push the conversation forward, by saying "my contract finishes in 4 weeks, and I would like to begin a formal handover process".

As soon as they say anything about an extension, even if it is "oh we might possibly find budget to extend" etc, then you can say you will not be extending for whatever reason, real or made up.

I'd have no qualms doing that. And I'd argue you'd actually be helping a disorganised client out by doing that too.

Absolutely. Getting to stage where everything assumed helps no one and can only go wrong.

[SteelyDan]

You've had a few extensions and both you and the client assume the next one is going to happen.

You know the old adage; never assume as it can make an ass....you know the rest.

[psychocandy]

And that is where the JLJ case started falling apart. The longer the engagement then MORE diligence is required to keep it on track. No gentleman's agreements. Black and white same as per day one.

I can see your point. But after a bit, there is an element of you trust the client, the client trusts you.

And sometimes there is a bit of extra consideration because of this. Yes I know its not like me to be professional and considerate of my clients :-)

[northernladuk]

I can see your point. But after a bit, there is an element of you trust the client, the client trusts you.

Whigh can very easily be seen as becoming part and parcel hence the extra diligence to make sure this doesn't become the case.

Expectation of contractor staying, expectation of more work. Where does that leave your MoO?

[psychocandy]

I would agree. Even the best client in the world would have no qualms if the budget ran out suddenly. Then it'd be "we're really sorry to see you go but its out of our hands".

Current client is clever. 3/4 weeks to go and they remember and ask me. Never understand why more client don't do this - get in there early and contractor hasnt got time to find something else. Leave it until the last minute and they might find something else.

This is good and bad. Good because I've had the "leaving it until last day" clients and it pisses me off. Bad because if I ever want to leave I'd have to decline more than likely then hope I can get something else - I'll never have time to sort something else (3/4 week before end) then decide whether to renew or not.

Like I said, got a sniff of a local gig but current place wants an answer. Chances are I'm going to have to commit either way.

Did have a conversation with client manager this morning. He was pushing me for an answer. Although he admitted he needed to get it confirmed and authorised first. So I winked and said, OK, but I'll keep my options open just in case it doesn't get authorised shall I?

Seems a bit sharp of him asking me to commit before its a 100% done deal after all....

Whether I would now say sorry got a new gig, even though I said I was interested, if and when the confirmation comes through is another thing? Debatable.... Strictly speaking they haven't offered it to me yet because its not authorised but I guess they wouldnt be happy....

[LondonManc]

Whigh can very easily be seen as becoming part and parcel hence the extra diligence to make sure this doesn't become the case.

Expectation of contractor staying, expectation of more work. Where does that leave your MoO?

Expectation rather than obligation. As you say, could be a grey area but also a sign of a good working relationship.

[psychocandy]

Whigh can very easily be seen as becoming part and parcel hence the extra diligence to make sure this doesn't become the case.

Expectation of contractor staying, expectation of more work. Where does that leave your MoO?

I will admit not great....

But the type of work I do is always going to be like that. Im aware of that....