Working at risk

[billybiro]

I wish you'd drop all this screwing over talk. No one thinks like that. It's just business and process.

Hmm. That's not what you were saying last time there was this kind of discussion

[psychocandy]

I wish you'd drop all this screwing over talk. No one thinks like that. It's just business and process.

So you reckon leaving like this, then demanding extra to come back, knowing full well they're in the tulipe, even if it is partly their fault, wouldn't cause a bad feeling with the client?

[northernladuk]

So you reckon leaving like this, then demanding extra to come back, knowing full well they're in the tulipe, even if it is partly their fault, wouldn't cause a bad feeling with the client?

You are correct there. It's just the terminology you constantly use. No one goes out of their way to 'screw' people over. Client pulls a stunt that's arguably in the contract but all of a sudden it's war etc etc. Sometimes it's just hard nosed business and people following process. Just because you are a bit put out it doesn't mean they are purposely trying to attack you personally or screw you over. That's not how business people work or think.

I just think it's poor terminology and outlook for a professional. Occasionally the outcome may look for feel like that but it just isn't.

[uk contractor]

Again, a very well known investment bank.
Been in a similar situation myself with these "reluctant" renewals, usually on the last day of contract. I went and got something, for a better rate, elsewhere, then told them over 2 weeks before contract end, that I was done.

He still had the brass neck to say "how could you do this to me".

<modsnip>

That's the thing with these type of managers they always think they are doing YOU a big favour by renewing you at all they never seem to learn either

[northernladuk]

Gentlemen please... No winking in the Prof forums...

[MrMarkyMark]

Gentlemen please... No winking in the Prof forums...

Oops my apologies, will remove.

[fool]

So you reckon leaving like this, then demanding extra to come back, knowing full well they're in the tulipe, even if it is partly their fault, wouldn't cause a bad feeling with the client?

There's a certian % of clients that will be annoyed at you and pull the role because of that. For pretty much everyone else it's just business well played and you teach them to be on the ball for next time.

Just to be clear though, how long needs to pass after my contract expires before I'm no longer obligated to accept future contracts with previous clients at my previous rate?

[psychocandy]

You are correct there. It's just the terminology you constantly use. No one goes out of their way to 'screw' people over. Client pulls a stunt that's arguably in the contract but all of a sudden it's war etc etc. Sometimes it's just hard nosed business and people following process. Just because you are a bit put out it doesn't mean they are purposely trying to attack you personally or screw you over. That's not how business people work or think.

I just think it's poor terminology and outlook for a professional. Occasionally the outcome may look for feel like that but it just isn't.

Yet invoking a notice period clause which is a perfectly legal and valid clause in the contract that the client/agent has also signed up to, is considered unprofessional on this forum.

Am I missing something?

And I dont think clients/agents are trying to screw me over on purpose. A lot try and maximise what they want out of the situation but like you said, thats business.

[psychocandy]

There's a certian % of clients that will be annoyed at you and pull the role because of that. For pretty much everyone else it's just business well played and you teach them to be on the ball for next time.

Just to be clear though, how long needs to pass after my contract expires before I'm no longer obligated to accept future contracts with previous clients at my previous rate?

I'd estimate 75% at least. Come on - if you want a rate raise then fair enough ask up front. If you wait until the end of the contract, knowing they're in the tulipe and say rate increase or else, the client is going to know damn well what you're doing.

Im sorry but most of the people I know, may well agree because they've not got a choice but its going to cause damage to the business relationship.

[fool]

I'd estimate 75% at least. Come on - if you want a rate raise then fair enough ask up front. If you wait until the end of the contract, knowing they're in the tulipe and say rate increase or else, the client is going to know damn well what you're doing.

Im sorry but most of the people I know, may well agree because they've not got a choice but its going to cause damage to the business relationship.

Just to be clear without a warchest or another contract lined up, you're just in as much tulip as they are. In fact it's worse for you as your business doesn't know if it's going to have an income for the next few months.

You need to remember it's a two way street and you're running a money seeking business just like they are. So when they're considering their options, you should be too, and hitting them for an extras £1000 a month for messing you about is hardly breaking their bank and probably the only effective way to get the message across.

That's just business and after you agree a new contract and start delivering work, most business forget about negotiatons pretty quickly.