Notice period

[RichardCranium]

My current contract was due to finish at the end of July, but I've just handed in my notice (2 weeks notice either side). I was just told, 5 minutes before leaving, that I probably "won't have to work the entire notice period" and that I'll probably only be needed a couple of days next week.

If I was your manager, I'd have thrown you off site with a comment to the effect of "Thanks a bunch for walking out just before the end. If you'd been honest with me - like I always am with my people - I could have managed your exit. As it is, you won't get any reference out of me. Clear off and don't come back."

Does that help any?

[RichardCranium]

I had a client (direct) whose legal department accidentally specified two weeks notice from my side, but six months from theirs - for a six month contract

When they wanted to terminate a month early, they realised and became most anxious in case I tried to hold them to it.

I'd been aware of the mistake all along, but had kept quiet. I was of course most magnanimous, graciously accepting two weeks notice, but making a very good parting impression by not getting all legalistic on them

Damn hurts though being honest when you're on the bench, doesn't it?

When I finished my work at ClientCo City Council, I was given the task of phoning the agency to dismiss me! (Such is life as a freelance project manager.)

I did not give me the month's notice period I was entitled to since I had finished the work.

I then spent 9 months on the damn bench.

[RichardCranium]

It's the thought that I could be out of pocket by being honest with them that gets my goat.

"By being honest"? You're letting them down. You signed a contract and you want out.

They are losing out, not you.

[RichardCranium]

I sit in the camp of consultants that believe if we agree to do something, we should do it, and walking away leaving a project incomplete is just not on.

Professionalism.

Eventually we all realise it results in people phoning you up years later and asking "Are you still doing what you did? Would you do it again for us?"

As opposed to Numpty putting his CV forward for his perfect role and hearing nothing more because a previous manager of Numpty said "He worked for me at PreviousClientCo and was unreliable. Don't shortlist him." It feels great doing that. I know. I've done it.

[Integrity]

The project isn't incomplete. It's come towards the end of the project lifecycle and another project is soon to start, so you could argue I'm leaving at precisely the best time. If I left at the end of the 6 months, I'd be part-way through the next one.

This sounds more like an opportunity to win more work.
If you get settled into the start of the next project, it will provide opportunity for you to tender for the extra requirements.