What to do ??

[LondonManc]

On the 24-month rule, an interesting one in this case. If during the 4 months he gets offered an extension but has no intention of taking it, does it still put him under the 24-month rule from that point?

[eman]

On the 24-month rule, an interesting one in this case. If during the 4 months he gets offered an extension but has no intention of taking it, does it still put him under the 24-month rule from that point?

I thought the rule was once you KNOW it's going to take you to 24 months, so surely only if he accepted that hypothetical extension (assuming it was 2 months+)?

[northernladuk]

On the 24-month rule, an interesting one in this case. If during the 4 months he gets offered an extension but has no intention of taking it, does it still put him under the 24-month rule from that point?

No. If he has no intention of taking it he knows he won't be there over 24 months so won't apply. If he was going to take it he would know he was. If he was going to try and be a smart ass and say 'Hey I wasn't going to take it but then I did' then should alter his accounts to show that you stopped claiming as soon as the offer was made retrospectively.

[pr1]

On the 24-month rule, an interesting one in this case. If during the 4 months he gets offered an extension but has no intention of taking it, does it still put him under the 24-month rule from that point?

No one has ever had to pay the tax back on intention alone (someone please prove me wrong!)

[LondonManc]

Just checking. Didn't think it would but wouldn't put it past hector.

[psychocandy]

See the gig through as you've commited to it. It's the professional thing to do and there will be plenty more gigs around when you leave this one. That's how contracting works.

Either way, until you have a contract signed you have nothing so you could put the decision off until you do actually have options and then worry about it.

Only you will know really but if they have managed to justify you during a cut you must be doing something right. I'd be trying the leverage that if I were you and secure more work at a higher rate after this one.

Couple of minor points. You won't be unemployed between gigs. Your company just won't have any income. You are a business now so need to start thinking like one...

And IMO you got your priorities completely wrong with the warchest. Get the warchest first and THEN start spending your money and paying debts off. No good being in a situation where you have no debts (that could have been managed) but can't put food on the table should you get be benched for a period.

There will be plenty that will says go for the higher rate. Screw the client as they gave you notice etc... So I hope you are not looking for a definitive answer lol....

JSA?

[psychocandy]

And IMO you got your priorities completely wrong with the warchest. Get the warchest first and THEN start spending your money and paying debts off. No good being in a situation where you have no debts (that could have been managed) but can't put food on the table should you get be benched for a period.

Agreed. Its a balancing act though. Pay off some debts but as NLUK says its no good if you've not got ready cash.

A while ago I had loads of 0% debts so there was no rush to pay off. I did a bit - got to be paid off sometime.

But then again, you can keep moving 0% to new cards most of the time and only pay 3% in effect.

[psychocandy]

If client B contract lasts longer than 4 months then I would take that.

Sod the professional thing. Look after number 1.

Agreed. OP - do you have a notice period?

I'd be looking after number 1. Client A has already shown they are willing to invoke notice when they feel like so I see no problem at all in doing the same if it suits you.

[Boo]

I'm thinking safe option of 1...but keen to see what guys would do in my situation.

What to do is up to you but I think it's a mistake to think of your current company as a safe bet, they've canned you at short notice once before and there is nothing to say they won't do the same thing again. If the new contract hasn't been signed yet I weould ask them for £650 to compensate for the previous uncertainty and see whether they bite. If not use it as an excuse to leave.

Boo

[diseasex]

If you can leave now on good terms - go for higher rate. If you cant then don't.