Advice on leaving

**VillageContractor** · 12 January 2017, 11:54

Originally posted by commycont View Post

Treat me gently – i'm new!!

On third contract and really enjoyed my last two but this one is awful. The boss is unpredictable, treats contractors like her staff and has even gone as far as insisting we don't leave desks when working from home on Fridays and rings in to check. She's now banned medical appointments in the week during work time. The atmosphere is awful and it's now affecting my mental wellbeing as work is boring but the little we do is open to more scrutiny than when I worked at a daily newspaper.

I can't stand 10 more weeks here despite healthy day rate. She will flip if I give notice. I attempted to previously and she had mini-meltdown saying 'she'd built role around me' and 'will make my notice period hell if I leave'

I have 14 day notice as under 22 weeks but not sure how I handle this? Do I jump ship? Will my rep be in tatters? Would I work again? I'm quite a nervous person and big worrier and no other contractors on site to discuss with.

I don't take work for granted and would NEVER normally consider this kind of action but getting to me.

How would you guys handle this? Sage advice appreciated

Give your notice. If she makes life hell then tell the client you're unavailable.

Life's too short

**NotAllThere** · 12 January 2017, 11:55

Give notice and have a miserable two weeks, or don't give notice and have a miserable ten weeks.

**kaiser78** · 12 January 2017, 12:07

As above.

Are you going through an agency ? If so, hand your notice in through them and not directly to your 'boss'. That may make it a softer landing for you.

**Lance** · 12 January 2017, 12:13

if you can't do a medical appointment on a work day then take a few days off for your medical appointments. Your GP surgery is closed at a weekend I presume.
She's left you with little choice really.
When she kicks off you provide notice, in writing, to the agent, and her boss.

**jmo21** · 12 January 2017, 12:14

What can someone do to make your life hell for 2 weeks in a job you are happy to be leaving?

I'd have some fun with them, while being as professional as possible.

And with a massive ******* smile on my face!

**MrMarkyMark** · 12 January 2017, 12:15

Sounds like the OP is ball deep in IR35 in the first place.

She may have well done him a favour.

**Lance** · 12 January 2017, 12:16

Originally posted by jmo21 View Post

What can someone do to make your life hell for 2 weeks in a job you are happy to be leaving?

I'd have some fun with them, while being as professional as possible.

And with a massive ******* smile on my face!

not sign your time sheet

**northernladuk** · 12 January 2017, 12:23

Originally posted by commycont View Post

Treat me gently – i'm new!!

On third contract and really enjoyed my last two but this one is awful. The boss is unpredictable, treats contractors like her staff and has even gone as far as insisting we don't leave desks when working from home on Fridays and rings in to check. She's now banned medical appointments in the week during work time. The atmosphere is awful and it's now affecting my mental wellbeing as work is boring but the little we do is open to more scrutiny than when I worked at a daily newspaper.

Sounds a bit of a nightmare and it might be out of order but.... as a contractor you have to be prepared for every eventuality. This one maybe extreme but difficult clients aren't uncommon. It can be anything from poor individuals, clients attitude to contractors or individual situation of the work you are doing. It's highly likely you are going to bear the brunt being 'an over paid contractor' and be treated badly just because you are a supplier. Experience will tell you what is and what isn't acceptable and your own personal circumstances will dictate how much you are willing to put up with.

Remember though it is only 10 weeks, it's good money and in the future you'll look back with some pride that you saw it through and that it's a very short period in a long and lucrative career.

It's really up to you and to be fair it does sound like a bit of a nightmare but I'd throw in the option to just man up and see it through. It might be painful for a bit but as I say it's good money and a short term problem. If you've made your decision then fair enough....

How about looking at some of the factors and trying to mitigate them. Is working from home key to the contract or is it flexibility for you? If you are working why is it a problem the client ringing to check? I've seen a number of contractors canned because they've been WFH, Lync is yellow for long periods and can't get hold of them by phone. This paranoia isn't always unfounded. Why not just go in to the office and sack the WFH if it's more hassle than it's worth?

Medical leave midday? Why on earth are you doing this? Permies do this. You either do it outside of work time or only bill for half a day stating you are unavailable and have your appointments in your own time? I'd be hacked off if my builder went for a doctors appointment when he's on my paid time as well.

I'm sure there is more. Can you not focus on each situation and try mitigate to a point you can stay?

**northernladuk** · 12 January 2017, 12:24

Originally posted by MrMarkyMark View Post

Sounds like the OP is ball deep in IR35 in the first place.

She may have well done him a favour.

But totally this as well. It sounds like the OP isn't aware of IR35 but it's clear D&C to the extreme. If he isn't part and parcel the client manager is trying to make him for sure.

OP, did you have your contract checked by a specialist? What do you know about IR35?

Advice on leaving