Inept Client

[ladymuck]

Was supposed to start a contract today but found out late Friday that, due to the client's inept internal systems, the start date would be put back to tomorrow.

I was a bit miffed as I interviewed last Monday and accepted last Tuesday and have since turned down other opportunities (that 20:20 hindsight thing is now rearing its ugly head). Have now found out that tomorrow's start date is off and it might be Wednesday, but then again it might not!

To say I'm annoyed is to put it extremely mildly. Now, there's sod all work out there for my skills so do I tell the client to get stuffed and hope something turns up, or be a good girl and wait for them to pull their finger out?

I've not stopped rummaging through the usual job sites as my spider senses are tingling and I'm concerned the job will never start. What's horribly annoying is that I didn't plan for my now heavily extended 'skills refresh break' and my comfort zone is not so comfortable.

Mainly wanted to have rant but will as ever be pleased to hear any comments!

[TheFaQQer]

I'd start looking, and tell the client that this is what you are doing.

If they want you, then they will try to get it sorted quickly. If it never comes off, then at least you're already out there looking.

Hope it works out one way or the other, though.

[Clippy]

Or mention that you have the possibility of another gig and need to know by COB Friday as it starts on Monday.

Of course, being the loyal contractor that you are, you would much rather prefer to work for them as you have already committed to them.

No harm lighting a small fire under them to see how they react.

[ladymuck]

The client knows I've turned down one job last week when I thought all was hunky dory. The agent has told them this and they have said that they understand if I take another contract but they do want me on the project and hope I'll wait!

[Clippy]

Has the job you turned down been filled?

If not, any chance it can be resurrected?

[cojak]

The client knows I've turned down one job last week when I thought all was hunky dory. The agent has told them this and they have said that they understand if I take another contract but they do want me on the project and hope I'll wait!

That's the alarm bell and your get-out.

Cancel the contract stating why and include the client's comments. And find another job.

[ladymuck]

Exactly what I thought. I haven't signed anything, it's just a verbal agreement at present. Am back searching in earnest but will keep them on the back burner in case they suddenly get themselves organised and nothing else comes up.

Have tried getting hold of the agencies where I turned down roles and not having a lot of luck there. I'll be hitting the phones in earnest first thing in the morning to see what can be done.

[SandyDown]

I had to wait a 3 weeks to start this contract am in, first I was told it would take 2 weeks to do all their clearances and processing, at end of the two weeks I was told everyone's on holiday (it was August) and needed to wait another week - I was really angry as you say I turned down other offers because of this contract. However. it was as they said, just some inept HR admin people going sick and on holidays without bothering to finish their work, had nothing to do with the actual project team, turned out to be OK, one day wait is not too bad, wait for it.

[thunderlizard]

Raise your game. Tell them to make it the following Monday because you've got another consulting job you can quickly fit in. That ought to crystallise their thoughts.