Looking for a second contract whilst currently in an existing contract

[fabio76]

Hi all,

im currently in a full time contract, which is 100% WFH. As I have sufficient bandwidth to look and apply for a second contract. The question is - do I let the recruitment agent (for either the new or existing contract) or my even my current client- know?

[ensignia]

This has been done to death on here.

The usual lot will tell you it's impossible.

Some will say crack on.

You have to be clandestine about it all.

It's not as easy as you might think, unless you literally have no meetings ever.

[ladymuck]

You want to look for a contract or take on a contract?

Looking while already in a job is what everyone does as it makes good sense to line the next one up so you have minimal breaks.

If you're intended to do two jobs part-time while charging full-time pay then you're going to get some short shrift here. If you can't be honest with your clients then you'll eventually come a cropper.

There's nothing wrong with multiple concurrent contracts but keeping it a secret will end in tears.

[northernladuk]

The question is - do I let the recruitment agent (for either the new or existing contract) or my even my current client- know?

Well if you can't tell either of them then you are doing something wrong.

A vasy majority of contracts just cannot accomodate dual working. The contracts wills state 9 to 5 or 8 hours a day or something like that so to do work for another client in that time is breach of contract. Neither client will be happy with the situation.

You having bandwidth while working on clients time isn't open season to go double billing.

[PerfectStorm]

The naysayers will say 'nay' as can be seen above, which usually means it's a good idea.

[northernladuk]

The naysayers will say 'nay' as can be seen above, which usually means it's a good idea.

Naysayers have also explained why which usually means your comment is not good advice.

[SussexSeagull]

Can it be done? Absolutely, in fact a few of my recent contracts would have allowed it.

However what happens if both want you in a meeting or once or have a deadline that needs your undivided attention?

Long story short is you might vert well be ok to do it but it isn't without risks.

[IVR247]

So I have done this, but the main contract was a support contract for a vital computer system. I had two subbies who would receive alerts as well as me. They knew enough to keep the client happy until I could take over. The second contract was insanely busy, but I had both laptops on the desk and, while I never told them, I think they knew or suspected, however I was fairly critical to both clients, so we made it work.

My tactic for meetings was to never contribute anything, they soon stopped inviting me unless I was really needed.

Project work for the first client, I would quote a price and a number of days required which was generous, leaving plenty of space for any clashes.

Best year had me earn around 350K.

[BlasterBates]

while I never told them, I think they knew or suspected, however I was fairly critical to both clients, so we made it work.

This is the key here, there's a good chance they will find out, so even if you don't tell them make sure you're not double booking, so if they complain you can explain that you worked your hours.

[Paralytic]

If you feel you can't tell your existing client, then i suspect you know its not the right thing to do.

But, if you want to risk it, go for it. There's a few on here who don't seen the irony in spending 50% of their client's time posting/reading on here, but think its morally wrong for others to spend the same 50% billing another client.