Contract from hell

[Pollypanda]

It's not an area I'm really that familiar with, but looking at job boards , if they hired the right person to do the role I'm doing, they would probably get them far cheaper. Surely we look for roles to learn or increase profitability? I'd have to somehow big this one up to increase profitability for future

Even more reason to have a conversation now. The client will have noticed that you're not the right fit whether you raise it or not, and if they've noticed that they can get someone cheaper to do the job then your days are numbered. Better to be pro-active and upfront now than wait until they give you notice so that you can focus on finding your next role.

You're right about wanting to learn from roles. As a contractor I learn something from every contract, whether it's experience of the new company or product or system. However, remember that the client has hired you for your expertise. As a contractor they expect you to land on your feet fully formed. If they have to train you on how to do your job that defeats the purpose.

Try not to beat yourself up, this happens. Job specs and reality don't always match up.

[LHM]

More to the point, is the role totally different to what you've got down on your contract?

Yes, I would say so.

[LHM]

[QUOTE=Try not to beat yourself up, this happens. Job specs and reality don't always match up.[/QUOTE]

I feel awful, I am a bad match, I feel unworthy of something beneath me (IMO) and their exasperation is becoming obvious. I might try and hang on, if I start contacting other agencies, I might come across as someone with a short attention span..

[Danglekt]

if it's beneath you, it implies you can do it with your eyes closed - so crack on then. If you hit specific barriers, then raise this with whoever you answer to (PM etc.)

Going in with a generic ramble is unlikely to win any gold stars, have specific examples, keep it factual, don't talk about you talk about the impact on delivery. Plan it through, keep it civil, remove emotion and then DO IT.

In permie land good people can often get into a comfy grove where eveything they do turns to gold - that doesn't always happen in contracting, but it's a B2B relationship, so your ego or views aren't really important, it's about getting the job done, and if you can't - tell them, or they will likely think you CAN'T do the job and that you are the problem.

[LHM]

if it's beneath you, it implies you can do it with your eyes closed - so crack on then. If you hit specific barriers, then raise this with whoever you answer to (PM etc.)

Going in with a generic ramble is unlikely to win any gold stars, have specific examples, keep it factual, don't talk about you talk about the impact on delivery. Plan it through, keep it civil, remove emotion and then DO IT.

In permie land good people can often get into a comfy grove where eveything they do turns to gold - that doesn't always happen in contracting, but it's a B2B relationship, so your ego or views aren't really important, it's about getting the job done, and if you can't - tell them, or they will likely think you CAN'T do the job and that you are the problem.

Thanks, I do totally take your point. I'll see how it goes over the next couple of weeks.

[Pollypanda]

I feel awful, I am a bad match, I feel unworthy of something beneath me (IMO) and their exasperation is becoming obvious. I might try and hang on, if I start contacting other agencies, I might come across as someone with a short attention span..

Take a deep breath mate, you're getting ahead of yourself. You need to sort out your current contract first, not start contacting other agencies. Have the conversation with the person you report to.

Who knows, if they're not the person who hired you they may not realise that there is a mismatch and that you're just no good, hence the exasperation. There might be a project coming up with work that suits your skillset that you could be moved onto, you're already on the ground. Or they might just decide to wind up your contract. I have no idea, I'm just spitballing, but neither will you unless you say something.

Being comfortable discussing your skillset vs the scope of your work is a key skill in being a contractor. This is the learning opportunity you were looking for.

[Pollypanda]

Thanks, I do totally take your point. I'll see how it goes over the next couple of weeks.

Ok, my advice was on the basis that you couldn't do the work, so ignore it. However, you said that the client was getting exasperated with you. If that's the case then take Danglekt's advice.

Good luck.

[LHM]

if it's beneath you, it implies you can do it with your eyes closed - so crack on then. If you hit specific barriers, then raise this with whoever you answer to (PM etc.)

Going in with a generic ramble is unlikely to win any gold stars, have specific examples, keep it factual, don't talk about you talk about the impact on delivery. Plan it through, keep it civil, remove emotion and then DO IT.

In permie land good people can often get into a comfy grove where eveything they do turns to gold - that doesn't always happen in contracting, but it's a B2B relationship, so your ego or views aren't really important, it's about getting the job done, and if you can't - tell them, or they will likely think you CAN'T do the job and that you are the problem.

Take a deep breath mate, you're getting ahead of yourself. You need to sort out your current contract first, not start contacting other agencies. Have the conversation with the person you report to.

Who knows, if they're not the person who hired you they may not realise that there is a mismatch and that you're just no good, hence the exasperation. There might be a project coming up with work that suits your skillset that you could be moved onto, you're already on the ground. Or they might just decide to wind up your contract. I have no idea, I'm just spitballing, but neither will you unless you say something.

Being comfortable discussing your skillset vs the scope of your work is a key skill in being a contractor. This is the learning opportunity you were looking for.

Another very good point. Appreciate all the comments, thanks.

[TheLordDave]

In my experience a crap contract is usually followed by an awesome one. My last was crap so I'm hoping the next will be awesome. Chin up.

[Pondlife]

In my experience a crap contract is usually followed by an awesome one. My last was crap so I'm hoping the next will be awesome. Chin up.

Do you work on Windows upgrades?