Contract quietly expiring

[BlasterBates]

My contract expires the end of this week.

I have been assured by the agent/supplier that a renewal is in the pipeline but previous renewals have been completed weeks in advance of expiry.

I would clarify now with the agency and the client. This sounds like you have a verbal agreement about a renewal, which means there will be an expectation you will be continuing. Verbal agreements are also binding. Normally you're informed when the renewal has fallen though.

[PerfectStorm]

I always start looking one month before any end or renewal, no matter how nailed-on.

If you get left high and dry, contractors have no one to blame but themselves. You're much better off entertaining some Plan Bs you can turn down (or jump to!) than having to start the process from scratch on the Monday after you finish.

[TheDude]

I always start looking one month before any end or renewal, no matter how nailed-on.

If you get left high and dry, contractors have no one to blame but themselves. You're much better off entertaining some Plan Bs you can turn down (or jump to!) than having to start the process from scratch on the Monday after you finish.

That is what I did and I managed to find a contract paying 40% more.

[eek]

That is what I did and I managed to find a contract paying 40% more.

At which point - you should have told the agency that the renewal had taken so long you were no longer available

[TheDude]

At which point - you should have told the agency that the renewal had taken so long you were no longer available

It's not that straightforward. I was approached by an ex manager and the approach has to be formalised through the firms HR system which is why I waited - it is still not in the bag.

[quackhandle]

Then you get the stock line from the pimp:

"We assumed you were happy to renew...?"

Had that once or twice when I have gone on to another gig. You can hear the fear in their voice that they now have to explain to end client why you have gone.

qh

[zonkkk]

Just tell agency and client your contract is up and you're not interested to renew. Should have done that a long time ago.

[hugebrain]

Just tell agency and client your contract is up and you're not interested to renew. Should have done that a long time ago.

Never tell them early, it just gives them an excuse to terminate early (unless you want that obvs).

It’s normal for clients to forget about renewals, a simple “err, do you want me to come into work on Monday?” A few days before usually does the trick.