End of Contract Etiquette

[northernladuk]

Not sure what you mean.

I'm more surprised the agency hasn't asked yet - they've got a vested interest in keeping you on. That said, if they've found out, they'll not tell you until asked as they won't want you to find something else and serve notice.

I'm trying to get the OP to think if he engaged someone to work for him what he would feel/expect from that supplier if they carried out either of the two options the OP mentions. How would the OP like his supplier to disengage properly. Might help understand rather than ask a question at every new situation he faces.

[northernladuk]

I suppose I was a bit hasty accepting a new contract without confirming professionally whether my contract is renewed.

Fox

Not really. You have a gig at a set length of time. That's it. Renewal is not to be expected or relied on. It's to be negotiated. Until it is you have nothing.

Don't want to be rude but you are going to have to get your head around what you do better. This situation is going to come up at the end of every single contract so its kinda part and parcel of what you do. If you can't work out how a supplier should handle a client I'd have told ask whether you are actually a contractor or you are just playing at being one.

[The GreenFox]

I agree NorthernLad. This is my second contract and i'm quitre new to the arena so it's expected to have second thoughts ( and to confirm via forums) on the best and most professional way to leave a client.

Having been an employee for over twenty years you need to remind yourself your a business providing services and that's the head you should be wearing at all times.

F

[quackhandle]

Be nice, polite; professional. If direct go and buy the finance people some coffees, everyone else the ubiquitous KK doughnuts (I did bring in fruit once, ladies loved it, fellers not so). Have a wander around, say cheerio to people you liked, last flirt with the fit birds (or guys). Lunch, last one I got the drinks in, but wait until after they order before paying as some *will* take the pi$$ and order champers. (it was still over 100 notes mind!)

Clear your desk, wipe your PC if this is required. (surfing on company pc? Tut-Tut), clear the drawers of M&S/Coop/Subway bags/cutlery and you do the: "yes lets keep in touch" (unconnect them from LI as soon as your on train home) you'll never see them again. Be glad the ones that constantly pi$$ed you off you are free from them, they have to still work there. Last goodbyes, hand in contractor pass, last invoice signed, yes, then leave, one last look, no tears and it's onto the next one.

Or you could do what a contractor I worked with did when he left a gig in london and went to a strip joint with the CIO and did some blow in the toilets and nobbed a brass.

Contracting eh?

qh

[Unix]

Hi all.


I did a quick search, no cigar.

I just wanted to glean your views on how to compose yourself at the end of a contract.

Coming to the end of a three month contract, having been promised juicy project work, have instead spent three months updating reports and spelling mistakes. The client is struggling to fill my time and I have the feeling the contract won't be renewed. Not that I mind as I already have something new lined up and have no intention of renewing.

Considering this position, what's the best etiquette? Do I let them know as early as possible that "I won't be renewing, it's been great here blah blah bye", or do I wait until the last day and say "I've come to the end of the contract and I assume it is not being renewed so great to work with you but bye bye..."


Fox

Contact the agent, ask if you are being renewed as you are getting calls about other contracts. They will find out for you quickly as it's $$$$ for them.

HTH

[LondonManc]

I'm trying to get the OP to think if he engaged someone to work for him what he would feel/expect from that supplier if they carried out either of the two options the OP mentions. How would the OP like his supplier to disengage properly. Might help understand rather than ask a question at every new situation he faces.

If you're the supplier, what do you do?

If someone's on a week's notice and you have work for them for the remaining four weeks, do you risk telling them that there will be no renewal and they exit early?

If OP says something in the current situation, he's potentially putting revenue at risk; it's in his limited company's best interest for him to say nothing.

[northernladuk]

If you're the supplier, what do you do?

If someone's on a week's notice and you have work for them for the remaining four weeks, do you risk telling them that there will be no renewal and they exit early?

If OP says something in the current situation, he's potentially putting revenue at risk; it's in his limited company's best interest for him to say nothing.

Correct. So the OP mulls these situation over and hopefully gets a clearer picture on what to do in certain situations. He's got to learn to understand his situation in all cases rather than either ask or do the same thing. He's gotta learn how to handle this and think like a business at some point.

[LondonManc]

Correct. So the OP mulls these situation over and hopefully gets a clearer picture on what to do in certain situations. He's got to learn to understand his situation in all cases rather than either ask or do the same thing. He's gotta learn how to handle this and think like a business at some point.

Agreed.

OP:
The big issue is whether you think you'd get binned off immediately if you advise whether you're not extending if offered one. "I wouldn't take it if you offered" doesn't sound good. If you intend on finishing up, let them offer. If they don't offer until final week, you can then act all apologetic and explain that you've secured something else as they hadn't said anything about extending.

If you want to extend, it's a different matter. You've got to take it in your own hands and ask with six weeks to go about their intention to extend. You'll get anything from silence to an apology that there's an intention but not sure about funding to a definite yes or no. You can then plan your stay or exit accordingly.

[The GreenFox]

Thanks all - great advice as usual.


F

[psychocandy]

Thanks for the responses.

Good points made. I am with an agent so I should really raise it with them also.

I don't want to renew and have already signed a contract to start when this is complete.

So in this instance I shall make it clear to both agent and client that I won't be available, even if they do want a renewal (which i'm not expecting).

I suppose I was a bit hasty accepting a new contract without confirming professionally whether my contract is renewed.

Fox

Not at all. If you dont want to renew then you don't have to. Same for them.

How long left now? Like I said, if I was you I'd, at least, wait until a week or two before and then confirm finish date with client/agent.

Hope their not like a client I had once who insisted I had to give a months notice of not renewing. yeh right. Even though they left renewals until day before.