Permie & Contracting at same time

[itcontractor07]

Dear All,

I am currently having an option to take up a permie role with IBM, and also want to continue contracting with my existing client. As he is flexible in the number of hours, number of days that I spend, it could be out of hours or weekends etc. I am not completely quitting contracting is for 2 reasons

1. Trying to fill the gap that create by going permie

2. Client is also keen for me to continue even if it is for a few days etc..

I have spoken to my accountant and they said it is fine and legal to be a permie and still continue contracting if there is an option.

Please can you guys throw any light on any ups and downs in doing like this.

In case anyone know, do you if IBM allows me to do this at all or not.

TIA

[rsingh]

Ask them. There is normally a clause in HR contracts relating to outside work.

[d000hg]

Ask them. There is normally a clause in HR contracts relating to outside work.

Don't just ask, insist it is in writing somewhere that this is OK. Otherwise they can say "oh that's fine don't worry, it's a standard clause we don't enforce" and then use it to screw you over if things go pear-shaped and they need to dump people.

[TheFaQQer]

Many companies will have a clause in the contract prohibiting you from doing similar work for another company - my Oracle one did.

Ask them and see what they say - it maybe that they let you, it might not. Either way, you need to determine which is more important to do - if it's IBM then make sure it's OK with them first.

[Liability]

dont tell either of them and just do it

As long as it doesnt interfere directly I cant see an issue.

[KentPhilip]

There's no reason they would find out if you keep your mouth shut.

[b0redom]

...but remember that your IBM contract will state anything created by you whilst working for them will become their intellectual property (unless they have changed the permie contract since I worked there).

[deckster]

dont tell either of them and just do it

As long as it doesnt interfere directly I cant see an issue.

That is quite appalling advice. Even if there are no conflicts of interest and it genuinely doesn't impact your main IBM work (do they never phone you during the day?), there are major potential issues with IPR. If there's the slightest hint that what you are doing with your other client in any way overlaps or even uses the same skillset you use at IBM you would be treading on very thin ice.

[Liability]

That is quite appalling advice. Even if there are no conflicts of interest and it genuinely doesn't impact your main IBM work (do they never phone you during the day?), there are major potential issues with IPR. If there's the slightest hint that what you are doing with your other client in any way overlaps or even uses the same skillset you use at IBM you would be treading on very thin ice.

This is the real world fella - Ive always done this and kept it totally separate.

If you are really that stupid enough to let them both be aware of each other - you deserve being caught anyway. But lets be really serious for the second - what are the chances of him doing something IPR related and that IBM would want?!.

[DieScum]

IBM will definitely have a clause precluding this.

If you can really do it at weekends, out of hours then there is no reason for them to know though.