Contract cut short.

[xchaotic]

Well before Christmas I had a chat with a manager in the client co and he assured me that my contract would get extended by another 3 months, just like it normally were before.
So, liking the place, I turned down another offer.
Due to Christmas and everybody being away, nothing got done, but I was assured that this was due to Christmas and that it would get extend normally.

Yesterday I was told that they have no budget anymore and the extension would be just one month - I felt this was okay the notice is four weeks on both sides, and today they eventually extended but only until 16th.

I understand that since that is a new contract that no notice applies and it's actually a gesture so I can finish my work.

But from my perspective it sucks, I turned down a very decent offer just 10 days ago and since I'm specialising in a niche skill (XSL, XSD etc) I'm not very likely to get a new gig on a short notice, given the economic climate

Just happy to have a place like this to vent my frustration, perhaps you'll join me in sharing such stories.

[TheFaQQer]

Last year, everyone on the last project was extended by six months (twenty something contractors).

Four months later, there are five left

[TykeMerc]

Sadly this sort of thing happens to us all, it's annoying, but part of the joys of contracting.

[thunderlizard]

Yes, it is annoying in the short term. But in the long term, it's that rollercoaster stop-start herd-of-headless-chickens behaviour that makes contracting the thriving business it is.

[Liability]

Yes, it is annoying in the short term. But in the long term, it's that rollercoaster stop-start herd-of-headless-chickens behaviour that makes contracting the thriving business it is.

well said

You know which Bank comes to mind? Barclays - i love that outfit - cull contrators and 6 months later they take on a HUGE load - they do make me laugh.

[darmstadt]

In December last year my contryct still had until February to run too. My agent told me I would then have an extension until February 2010. 5 days later all contracts were terminated end of December. Standard procedure these days it seems. NTAA.

[scooby]

contract prior to this, i was being lined up to work on a demerger with a 12mth extension. A week in to November a hostile take over happened and was given my 4wks. i was out early december.

I then had a week monging around and went for an interview. was offered 6mths while walking out of door with next start, at the 6mth was extended by 18mths.

Best thing that ever happened to me was being dropped by last client. Swings and roundabouts mate.

[Turion]

Professor Turion of Contactor College says:-

Synopsis:

"The OP clearly made the wrong call. He had an offer, and a chance to gain a new client and possibly new wider ranging skills....and then blew it because he listened to bulltripe from a manager. He took the 'soft option' bait of the 'phoney extension'. Only it clearly wasn't safe as the manager knew all along what would happen. The manager was only interested in getting a specific piece of work done, before disposing of you"

Advice:

Do not sign 1 week extention. Demand 4 weeks minimum. If refused, walk. (if they really need you they'll find the money)

[expat]

... it's that rollercoaster stop-start herd-of-headless-chickens behaviour that makes contracting the thriving business it is.

But as Scooby says, sometimes being dropped by a client is seen later as the best thing that ever happened to you (Hi Standard Chartered Bank sorry I stayed so long ).

[xchaotic]

Professor Turion of Contactor College says:-
Advice:

Do not sign 1 week extention. Demand 4 weeks minimum. If refused, walk. (if they really need you they'll find the money)

Interesting approach, but you suggestion costs me 10 days of billable time and doesn't sound very right. Isn't it better to leave a good opinion about yourself.

I'm kind of glad to hear many stories like that, but I'm sure it's not exactly a pleasant experience to be let go.

Swings and roundabouts mate et al.

I'm certain you're right and I'm already pimping myself through agents or directly too.

I'm just a little worried about how much bench time does that mean for me...