giving notice part through a contract

[ratewhore]

There is no such thing as black balling in this industry. If a client needs you they will pay for you. If the agency can place you, they will place you so that they get their cut. It's business.

You might p*ss off a few oddballs here and there, but look after yourself first. Be professional, speak to the client and arrange a mutually satisfactory leaving date and handover process. And don't forget the leaving drinks otherwise you'll be labelled a tight coont forever.

I concur. I've left a gig midway once. So what? It's never stopped me bagging another one since...

[expat]

There is no such thing as black balling in this industry. If a client needs you they will pay for you. If the agency can place you, they will place you so that they get their cut.

and vice versa: if not then they won't.

[Archangel]

I've found a more attractive gig and am sick of the current place.
My contract runs for another 4 months and I'm on a 1 month notice period.

Is it bad form to drop out of a contract?
Do clients black ball people or is it all in a days business?
I doubt I'll want to come back here but don't really like burning bridges...

You're not dropping out, you are giving notice. If they didn't want you to leave they should have given you a contract with no notice clause.

[luke warm]

Very useful input - cheers

Thanks for all the replies - they've all been very helpful to give me some perspective on the situation.

I do intend to deal with this situation as professionally as I can with both client and agency and discuss it all with the client and how to mitigate impact on their business.

I've been there for more than 2 years now and as has been pointed out if they didn't want this possibility they shouldn't have put a notice period in the contract.

The new contract is primarily because I think it will be a good move career wise. If it works out how I hope then the experience will be a great door opener in the future. If it doesn't then that's a risk I'm willing to take and on balance considering all replies here I don't think it will reflect too badly on me for future contracts. No risk, no reward and all that...

[DodgyAgent]

1) Yes
2) Possibly

Also if you are through an agency, they may think twice about using you again.

I do doubt that. If you are the right man for the job at the right place and time they are not going to cut their noses off to spite their faces.

[Sausage Surprise]

I do doubt that. If you are the right man for the job at the right place and time they are not going to cut their noses off to spite their faces.

Spoken like a true pimp

[ratewhore]

and vice versa: if not then they won't.

er, clearly...

[barely_pointless]

I've found a more attractive gig and am sick of the current place.
My contract runs for another 4 months and I'm on a 1 month notice period.

Is it bad form to drop out of a contract?
Do clients black ball people or is it all in a days business?
I doubt I'll want to come back here but don't really like burning bridges...

It's business.

The notice period works both ways, give notice, be polite and be firm.

Burning Bridges is a perception thing, if there was a complete tosser of a Manager then I'd gladly strike a lorry load of swan vestas, but if they are OK, I'd just be as nice as I can.


If a client black balls you for adhering to the terms of the contract, then why would you want to work for them in the first place anyway ??

[DodgyAgent]

Spoken like a true pimp

the words principle, ethics and loyalty dont mix with the word "wallet"

[gingerjedi]

I'm trying to work out how I'm going to leave a contract I haven't even started yet, I'm only doing it to get my SC clearance renewed as I have a much better gig lined up for later in the year.