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Hate my contract such a bad experience

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  • agentzero
    replied
    Originally posted by virtualm View Post
    A bit of a rant, but I need to get this off my chest.

    <snip>

    Is this the new normal? I can't wait to leave this place.

    There are two rules in the inside IR35 world:

    1: Look after yourself first and foremost
    2: See rule number 1

    In inside contracts try to go PAYE from the agency, not via umbrella if at all possible.

    Also consider working two contracts at once. You can then give low priority to the rubbish inside IR35 contract and, if necessary, disappear. This is in extreme circumstances in which rule1 applies. You can give your 2 week notice, if necessary, and don't care in the slightest about the outcome for that client. The only exception to this if the client is large, nearby and you think you'll get repeat work, in which case you try to leave the project using the best route possible.

    I have worked three contracts before, with one of them being random days and not full time. The other two were full time but easily achievable as one project was basic, with the other one being difficult and a major international project.

    Look wider in life and remember that work isn't even in your top 5 priorities in life. You deserve better. Treat yourself nicely and get the role you deserve.
    Last edited by agentzero; 17 September 2021, 09:53.

    Leave a comment:


  • virtualm
    replied
    All good feedback, I know about the opportunity to learn new skills, but it's so dull so doesn't interest me. But what I've listed isn't half of it.

    Project still in design, major workshops going on (3-5 hours a day), then functional specs to write, all on the basis I have limited knowledge of the area. I'm working with a load of offshore guys who are not willing to train me (who can blame them). And due to go live very soon, it's a right mess.

    Even the original JD from pimp specs out Retail role, it even mentions that they were not looking for Finance skills (wish I could attach the screenshot). And even my contract has me down as a Retail consultant.....

    Anyway, I've given up...calmed down a lot and just counting down the days until the end of this month.

    Another lesson learnt to REALLY emphasis what my skills are, what the clients needs really are. Then put this in writing with PIMP prior to offer.

    Leave a comment:


  • BigDataPro
    replied
    In 14 years of Contracting you must have learned that any contract is on a day by day basis or even hourly, making you a Zen living in the present always. This should have freed you from the fear of getting terminated from a gig.

    When a client is paying you to do something you don't know, you can either take it as an opportunity or a misfortune. It really depends on your mindset, interest etc. In one gig I was asked to do data related work rather than Testing, the role I was interviewed for. Now I am a Data Engineer.

    Had I refused to do that, probably I will be jobless today or stuck in a Perm role.

    If what I am doing is something I really hate, brings me stress on a daily basis, then I would walk out immediately knowing full well that it will bring me financial loses and I will be prepared for it.

    Leave a comment:


  • hairymouse
    replied
    What's the deal with doing required training on your own time? Did they tell you specifically not to put that on your time sheet? If you did the training on the company laptop I would be very surprised if you weren't supposed to be paid.

    Leave a comment:


  • Fraidycat
    replied
    Originally posted by virtualm View Post
    What I can't get my head around is a large global consultancy firm that is prepared to interview somebody with say Retail skills, interview is focussed around Retail, and then when you arrive you are told you wont be supporting that function, instead you will support Finance. How the f.. am I supposed to run workshops and show users the Finance module? Yes I'm getting paid a lot and they expect a lot...but seriously why did they even bother taking me on.
    The old Bait and switch.

    From both the agent (saying it was 12 month gig), to the client not telling you it is a Finance gig.

    They cant find anyone (at least quickly) if they told the truth.

    So they lie, and hope the sucker that takes the bait (you in this case) is able to grin and bear it.

    It is a gamble on their part, and it didn't pay off this time.

    Leave a comment:


  • virtualm
    replied
    Cheers northernladuk, you speak a lot of sense.

    I've been contracting for 14 years now, I think I've been quite lucky with my past gigs, I've had two that lasted 18 months, the rest easily 6 months. I thought I'd seen it all, but this gig is for a global company, it's a huge project that's basically gone tits up, everybody is arguing, no team moral from the management team. I've been around and I've seen what's good and what's not. This one is a complete NIGHTMARE.

    What I can't get my head around is a large global consultancy firm that is prepared to interview somebody with say Retail skills, interview is focussed around Retail, and then when you arrive you are told you wont be supporting that function, instead you will support Finance. How the f.. am I supposed to run workshops and show users the Finance module? Yes I'm getting paid a lot and they expect a lot...but seriously why did they even bother taking me on.

    I'll work until the end of this month, get my timesheet approved and then give them my notice and see if I want to take stress leave in the last 2 weeks. Never seen this before OMG.

    Speaking to pimps about other opportunities at the same time.

    Leave a comment:


  • northernladuk
    replied
    Originally posted by virtualm View Post
    1) Delayed start date by 3 weeks, contract was signed and then amended with the new start date. So effectively I lost 3 weeks pay.
    Yes but no. You don't earn it if you don't work it. That's contracting and is part of the risk. Late starts aren't uncommon and I think it's going to get worse. We've a thread about a poster that is waiting to start because there is a delay getting the laptop to them. In the old days you turn up to the office and read paperwork out but we can't do that anymore. In the new world you start when everything has arrived so I expect more stories of delays.
    2) I complained to the agency and they got really sh.. with me, now they don't speak to me.
    Of course they would. What can they do if the client is late? They won't care about your problems but remember they aren't getting paid either so I am sure they aren't right happy about it without you complaing.
    3) Laptop took 1 week to arrive, and then I had to take a load of training courses before I could gain access in my own time.
    As per item 1 I am expecting this type of thing to be more the new norm in this remote world.
    [quote]
    5) Client 4 weeks notice, me - 2 weeks.
    Why is this a problem? Uneven terms aren't that uncommon
    6) Agency originally offered 12 months contract, and this is what is in my contract but client then said it would be a 2 month contract renewable in 2 monthly increments. Then my 2 months passed, and now they are only renewing only a month by month basis. So I have no security whether they will extend on a month by month
    No way would I believed it's a 12 month gig, even if it's in the contract. If you've been around 14 years you should know no clients do this. They are nearly always tied to budget quarters. I'd have questioned this one as soon a I saw it and even if they were convinced it was I'd treat it with some suspicion. Either way, at the end of the day a gig is only as long as your notice period. The rest is a bonus.
    But 12 month contract? No way. The monthly renewal is a right pain in the arse though. Ive been on one of them and they aren't fun.
    7) The role I applied for is completely different to what my skills are, I specialise as a Retail consultant and they are asking me to run Finance workshops and act as Finance consultant. When challenging this I was told this was mentioned to me in the interview, it was not. Then the client said if I don't like it then they will terminate my contract immediately. This part really confuses me as my interviews were specifically around my retail experience, my CV explores this in detail. How can they get this so wrong?
    Dunno but we've someone else on the forum as we speak who's been sold a dummy but in that, and ineed this one, the interview is two way. It's a chance for you to interview them about exactly what you'll be doing and the current status to see if you are interested. To go in to an interview and they ask you questions, you answer and leave is a bit permi'esque
    8) 30 working days payment terms, OK no biggie, but I have to get my client to sign off my timesheet and they have been so doing this, and then this adds a delay to when I get paid.
    Not the best but again not uncommon so not really a problem with this gig, just not the best payment terms around.

    I know the old saying no such thing as a bad gig, yes I am getting paid. But I am so stressed with them expecting me to deliver in a role that I am not comfortable with.
    So you take them up on your offer and leave. The poster I mentioned that got sold a dummy is also struggling with the stress to point they were considering going off with stress. Life is too short. Tell them it's not for you and leave. Don't get stressed. It's not worth it.
    Is this the new normal? I can't wait to leave this place.
    Some of the stuff you mention is pretty common anyway so unfortunate, some isn't really a problem, just not the best and a few points I think we will definitely see more of.

    You just seem to have run in to all of them in one gig.

    Leave a comment:


  • NotAllThere
    replied
    Originally posted by virtualm View Post
    it's not always about money is it guys.
    No. But it helps!

    Leave a comment:


  • virtualm
    replied
    I think what I was trying to say about 'no such thing as a bad gig', is that I'm getting paid....but your right, I've been contracting far too long to see that this one is an utter disaster. Way too much stress, it's not always about money is it guys.

    Leave a comment:


  • NotAllThere
    replied
    Originally posted by virtualm View Post
    I know the old saying no such thing as a bad gig
    Never heard of such a saying. I've terminated bad gigs. Not worth the stress and effort. Unless you're desperate for cash, I'd take them up on the offer to terminate your contract. Immediately after they've signed your latest timesheet. And never use the agency again.

    btw. 6) They can terminate you immediately anyway, so you had no security regardless.


    Leave a comment:

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