Left permie position for contract but still not signed - mistake?

[farout775]

I am new to contract work so would like some advice on my current situation.

I recently interviewed at a big company through a recruiter for a 6 month contract and was offered the job. I then handed in my notice at my current job (I had to do this in order to negotiate my notice with my current employer) - however several days have passed now and the agent has still not sent me a contract to sign, I have asked for it a few times and they don't seem to be in a great rush - is this sort of thing normal or am I right to be a bit worried? I am completely new to contract work so not sure what to expect.

You need to keep on looking for contracts until you sign on the dotted line. Are you Maltese?

[northernladuk]

Well, when I jumped ship the 'contractor mentality' kicked in. Notice period, don't be daft you'll bring in more your first week contracting than the whole notice period. What they gonna do sack you?
You may find that in the future being 'immediately available' has it's advantages.

Poor advice IMO. Using your own argument you might as well wait the notice period and do it properly. If you are going to make so much a week or two isn't going to make much difference.

[northernladuk]

I'd swallow my pride and ask for my old perm job back. Use this experience to better prepare you for the unpredictable and unreliable world of contracting. You need to look after number 1 in this game. There is no one on your side but you.

Why would he do that. He's then stuck trying to find a gig that will wait for his notice and that evaporates before he starts again? Sounds like he's asking for trouble.

[SlipTheJab]

Why would he do that. He's then stuck trying to find a gig that will wait for his notice and that evaporates before he starts again? Sounds like he's asking for trouble.

Yep agree, Notice given , move forward now, no retreat no surrender!

[gejjaxxita]

Thanks for advice everybody - I've sorted out another interview and also got in touch with recruiter and told them they need to get me a contract because I'm concerned - that seems to have spurred them into action - now they are waiting for my references to come back before sending me the contract.

In the meantime I am applying for new contract roles, I don't have any intention of asking my current employer for my job back as I'm committed to trying contracting.

[northernladuk]

Thanks for advice everybody - I've sorted out another interview and also got in touch with recruiter and told them they need to get me a contract because I'm concerned - that seems to have spurred them into action - now they are waiting for my references to come back before sending me the contract.

I'll bet the are!!!

In the meantime I am applying for new contract roles, I don't have any intention of asking my current employer for my job back as I'm committed to trying contracting.

Isn't that an oxymoron or something?

[gejjaxxita]

I'll bet the are!!!

They've already contacted one of my colleagues for the reference - is it not normal to send the contract through before references? Should I get back in touch with the recruiter?

[SueEllen]

They've already contacted one of my colleagues for the reference - is it not normal to send the contract through before references? Should I get back in touch with the recruiter?

The only contracts I've needed to give references for have involved some kind of clearance or credit check. These references have all had to be written either by email or letter.

[gejjaxxita]

The contract was offered to me last Wednesday and it's now Tuesday, so is it possible I'm overreacting here?

[northernladuk]

The contract was offered to me last Wednesday and it's now Tuesday, so is it possible I'm overreacting here?

Yup.