Should I Stay or Should I go?

[DaveB]

I'm in my first contract, been with the client ( major international telco ) for 9 months now having been extended 6 months already, with every expectation of another 6 month renewal in December. Rate is good, work is easy, hours are relaxed; but I have this nagging doubt about taking another extension and ending up as a long term contractor with little variety on my record.

Part of me says dont be bloody stupid, you've got a nice little earner here and it's only your first contract, the rest is saying pack it in and move on, get some variety.

In know there are contractors out there who spend years with the same client quite happily.

I'm leaning towards taking the next extension, if it's offered and then moving on after that and avoiding getting caught in the Christmass / New Year lull in the market.

Thoughts, suggestions, discussion, the usual flames and abuse are all welcome.

[ChimpMaster]

You've really got to ask yourself why you're contracting. Do you want to contract in order to gain varied experience at multiple clients? Or is your prime motive to earn higher income for as long as possible, in order to fund a better life/ retirement?

Contract extensions on your CV are seen in a positive light by recruiters/companies. After all, if you can display a (say) 2 year stint at Client X with a total of 4 extensions, that obviously says that the client thought that you did a good job and that you must be a good catch.

Personally, if I could last 5 years in my current contract I would stay, because (a) I'm happy with the rate , (b) I can get home each night and (c) the client is prestigious. Even though the work is tulipe, I'm very happy to be here.

[Pondlife]

I would ask yourself two questions;

- is there the potential to learn anything new in the next 6 months or will it be more/less of the same?

- Have you built enough of a buffer in the last 9 months to carry you through any downtime?

Plus do you really want to be hunting over xmas?

[Lucifer Box]

Stay. LB's motto is never turn down a renewal unless the thought of going into the client's office in the morning makes you physically sick.

[ratewhore]

Fair one LB.

Ask yourself this: do you really need to ask the opinion of the likes of us?

[DaveB]

Fair one LB.

Ask yourself this: do you really need to ask the opinion of the likes of us?

You never know. Someone might say something relevant.

[Lucifer Box]

You never know. Someone might say something relevant.

I doubt that.

[MarillionFan]

Ask yourself this. Will I get laid more If I change contracts?

If the answer is yes then go for it. [Caveat - Unless this is for a Gay Magazine/Website]

[lukemg]

I always stay, unless you can guarantee better rate + conditions, location etc then you should consider staying. Renewals look good, big company looks good. You can also put in for a cheeky rise to sugar the pill.
You are contract, hired for current skills not 'potential'. Yes, sometimes learn fresh stuff on a job but you have to expect to use existing skills mostly so going elsewhere could be easily as dull (and tends to be in my experience)

[Goya]

Stay. LB's motto is never turn down a renewal unless the thought of going into the client's office in the morning makes you physically sick.

My motto is don't renew if you were stupid enough to sign a CP contract in the first place! (And don't do it again!)