Contract ...

[denver2k]

Hi,

My contract is about to finish by the end of month. I asked ClientCo what are the prospects? I wanted answer in Yes or no because lease of rented accomodation is expiring as well (i just relocated for this gig).

I asked line manager 6 weeks ago to find it as i knew that in big organisations so many approvals need to be done.

Anyways, now its only 3 weeks left and he told me today that we like you to stay as we have some more work and you have been valuable resource to us (usual stuff like that) BUT we are still waiting from approval from "upper management" and these guys are looking at budgeting and headcounts and been told to "hold off". He said they'll let him know in a week time.

I heard from some seasoned contractors that delay in decision mostly means NO.

So, what you lot say about this scenario?

[BlightyBoy]

The gig's up pal.

I'd say they're stringing you along whilst the try to decide whether they really need you/can afford you or not.

Unless you have a substantial war-chest, I'd be looking at moving on.

Apart from that, you've got the flat to worry about.

[Jubber]

I heard from some seasoned contractors that delay in decision mostly means NO.

Bull. I've had extensions approved the day before end date.

So, what you lot say about this scenario?

If you have a selection of contracts to sign, pick one and sign up to start at the end of this one. But if you haven't noticed - it is a bit harder out there now - keep your head down, keep looking and hope for the approval.

[TheBigD]

I'd give notice on the accommodation and proceed on the basis that the gigs over. If it turns out otherwise, you can try and get your landlord to stay a bit longer (may well be up for this rather than getting in an unknown tennant), or negotiate a slight increase in rate to cover hotel/B&B costs.

Looks like the contracts up though. Time to move on...

[chicane]

My contract ended Friday last week. The agent called me at 5:15pm that day to let me know that clientco would like to extend for another week while they're sorting out the 'real' 3 month extension. It looks like the same thing is going to happen this week. I am prepared for the fact that the 3 month extension may or may not materialise.

Large corporations know that the current state of the market does not generally rule in favour of contractors and they're quite happy to exploit this. The reality is that you're considerably less likely than before to obtain contract work elsewhere in the coming weeks - this gives them as much time as they want to decide whether or not they're going to renew you.

[zara_backdog]

Look on the bright site - whlist working a ' week at a time' it leaves you free to go to another contract when you find one. So start looking for a new gig now with the confidence you can still squeeze a few weeks more out of ClientCo!

[cojak]

Yep - definitely start looking with a view to moving. It can be pretty expensive signing up for a new accommodation lease only to find that they don't have the budget for you the following week...

[BrilloPad]

I once only got sign-off after I had left. Naturally I was not at client site while it was sorted.

[badger7579]

Same here. I Have asked and asked and asked weeks before renewal date on one contract and only got approval the day before the contract was due to terminate.. This was big multinatonal..

[cojak]

I really don't think that we can be as complacent about this as we used to be.

I don't mind waiting until the day before contract ends if I can walk into another one without getting my feet wet.

But I will definitely make an effort to find another contract this time as the "I want to keep you but the budget's out of my hands" excuse won't keep the wolf from the door...