Client Terminating My Contract Early With No Valid Reason

[Willy Win]

I know as a contractor if the client decides to get rid of you early then that's their prerogative but, all the same, is it normal and common for them to do this with no real justification?

Two and a half months into a 10 month contract I've just been given the news that I'be been served 4 weeks notice to finish by my client. The reason being that there has been a 're-org' within my area and a new member of my team whom I was informed would be joining I soon found out after returning from my holiday was in fact replacing me. When speaking to my line manager I asked her if my performance was not satisfactory or I had done something wrong to be terminated early but she was adamant that I had done nothing and it has happened to her in the past. Not really a comfort but I don't understand why I was not moved into another part of the area or why I was replaced when it would take longer for this person to be trained up etc.

The worst part was that I discovered by an email distributed to the wider team that said new person had started to do the exact job I was doing whilst I was on holiday rather than being told by my manager beforehand. She said she had no idea that this new guy would be brought in but the timing and explanations just don't seem to add up. Anyone else experienced this and am I overreacting to the news? I've never received any bad feedback yet I am the only one in my team who's been replaced due to the re-org! Even a recent guy whose contract was terminated early was given a reason I. E management style was pretty bad. I feel that this makes me look like I am at fault and concerned that an early terminated contract will not look good when going for other opportunities. This had never haopened to me before so a bit shell shocked. .

[northernladuk]

I know as a contractor if the client decides to get rid of you early then that's their prerogative but, all the same, is it normal and common for them to do this with no real justification?

There is always a reason or justification. You just and privy to it that's all.

Two and a half months into a 10 month contract I've just been given the news that I'be been served 4 weeks notice to finish by my client. The reason being that there has been a 're-org' within my area and a new member of my team whom I was informed would be joining I soon found out after returning from my holiday was in fact replacing me. When speaking to my line manager I asked her if my performance was not satisfactory or I had done something wrong to be terminated early but she was adamant that I had done nothing and it has happened to her in the past. Not really a comfort but I don't understand why I was not moved into another part of the area or why I was replaced when it would take longer for this person to be trained up etc.

Wow.. Your team, line manager? Sound more like an employee than a contractor.

All seems OK though. Your not needed anymore so your done. That's all you need to know. Running around trying to find why and argue doesn't make you look all that great TBH.

The worst part was that I discovered by an email distributed to the wider team that said new person had started to do the exact job I was doing whilst I was on holiday rather than being told by my manager beforehand. She said she had no idea that this new guy would be brought in but the timing and explanations just don't seem to add up. Anyone else experienced this and am I overreacting to the news? I've never received any bad feedback yet I am the only one in my team who's been replaced due to the re-org! Even a recent guy whose contract was terminated early was given a reason I. E management style was pretty bad. I feel that this makes me look like I am at fault and concerned that an early terminated contract will not look good when going for other opportunities. This had never haopened to me before so a bit shell shocked. .

Total overreaction. You sound like some sort of flouncing permie. You are there to fill a hole for the client. The client has filled it an you move on. There is nothing else for you to understand. At least you got 4 weeks notice. They could quite easily finish you on the spot... Which might still happen if you are going carry on complaining.

Do a professional handover, shake the clients hand and maybe they'll give you more work the future. Crying about it will certainly not get you any more work.

I think you need to understand what you are and understand your relationship with your client better.

[Willy Win]

There is always a reason or justification. You just and privy to it that's all

So what do I say to other potential clients? The truth? I just get the impression that clients and agencies alike become rather suspicious when you explain your contract was terminated early due to a re-org. Sounds like a lame reason. Another contractor friend of mine advised I just say my contract was a 3 month one to avoid questions but I'm not so sure about telling porkies...

[RSoles]

How long did the contract last? Three months. Then it was a three month contract .
If it went from Feb 28th to May 1st it was a four-month contract.
Don't need to tell lies, just don't volunteer that "I got thrown out early".

Think 'sales'.

What would Tesco do?
These apples are reduced by 50%.
or
These apples are reduced by 50% because they taste like crap.

[jamesbrown]

TBH, I think you have your reason. It's understandable, when you get canned, to want a detailed justification, but sometimes you need to take things at face value and move on. Reorgs are not uncommon. Contracting is all about servicing a requirement while it lasts, and being willing to move on quickly when needed. Providing they follow the letter of the contract w/r to termination, it's time to move (and be thankful if they have some work for you to complete during the notice period).

[SueEllen]

So what do I say to other potential clients? The truth? I just get the impression that clients and agencies alike become rather suspicious when you explain your contract was terminated early due to a re-org. Sounds like a lame reason. Another contractor friend of mine advised I just say my contract was a 3 month one to avoid questions but I'm not so sure about telling porkies...

You just tell them you finished the work you were engaged to do.

You should be working on fixed deliverables so once you have done them you aren't needed anymore.

Also 10 month contracts are never 10 months. The project can be expected to last 10 months but it can be mothballed at anytime, canned completely, finish early due to requirements changing or finish later due to requirements changing.

[northernladuk]

What everyone said. I've never been asked about why gigs ended. It's what we do so can't see any reason for them to ask. You did what you were brought in to do and that's that. Nice and simple. You'll be fine.

[SueEllen]

What everyone said. I've never been asked about why gigs ended.

I have by agents who cannot work out that while they may give out contracts that are 3 months they may not last that long, and that particular clients will insist that the contractors contract matches the amount of work left.

[kaiser78]

What everyone said. I've never been asked about why gigs ended. It's what we do so can't see any reason for them to ask. You did what you were brought in to do and that's that. Nice and simple. You'll be fine.

I have been asked on several occassions and always make sure my explanations put me in a positive light.

[northernladuk]

I have been asked on several occassions and always make sure my explanations put me in a positive light.

Interesting. I'll bear that in mind and be prepared then.