Going To Reject Contract Re-Newal

[kaiser78]

Been in financial sector IT PM contract for past 15 months. I am being offered a final 3 month extension (subject to to it being signed of) from May which will then complete my contract.

Various circumstances over the past 6-8 months on the contract have caused me to feel totally over worked/stressed, constantly tired, moody at home, which I feel is unfair on the family and a step too far for any contract role. Also not had a holiday since last July (excl Xmas and Easter) and have been told I cannot have anymore holiday until I finish.

Anyway cutting a long story short I am going to tell my agency that I do not wish to re-new after this month, acknowleging that I am forfeiting (only) 3 months additional contract.

Guess I am looking for some sort of re-assurance that I am remaining sane ?

[Fred Bloggs]

No amount of money is worth being ill for. I know from experience that is true. Good luck.

[HairyArsedBloke]

....Various circumstances over the past 6-8 months on the contract have caused me to feel totally over worked/stressed, constantly tired, moody at home, which I feel is unfair on the family and a step too far for any contract role. Also not had a holiday since last July (excl Xmas and Easter) and have been told I cannot have anymore holiday until I finish.
....

That's how my troubles started. Go to see your GP about your blood pressure when you get a chance.

Yes, you are doing the right thing.

[Not So Wise]

No amount of money is worth being ill for. I know from experience that is true. Good luck.

WHS

[Lewis]

Yes have done the same myself in the past - health and sanity much more important. New roles always turn up and are often much better.

[BrilloPad]

What sort of war chest do you have?

Sorry but I disagree with those above. If you were so sure you would have just done it instead of asking advice.

So I advise to renew. Treat it as the final stint and do as little as possible without upsetting anyone.

But one often asks for advice until one gets the advice one wants to hear......

[garyphipps]

It really comes down to what YOU want to do doesn't it?

I've only worked 12 days this year, so I would say WORK while you can!

It's all about the work/life balance..... it's difficult to get it right whether you are a contractor or a permie!!

Perhaps you should be asking those close to you rather than us lot?

Whatever you choose, I hope you feel better for it.
Good luck.

[Liability]

What sort of war chest do you have?

Sorry but I disagree with those above. If you were so sure you would have just done it instead of asking advice.

So I advise to renew. Treat it as the final stint and do as little as possible without upsetting anyone.

But one often asks for advice until one gets the advice one wants to hear......

WHS

Totally agree - how much do you have?

Its a tough market out there - and given a choice of rotting at home, seeing family more miserable, and financial worries - Id rather buck myself up, stop being a namby pamby and deal with it like a contractor does. It's crap and effecting you as you take it home with you. Set the mindset right - and youll be able to view it differently

[kaiser78]

What sort of war chest do you have?

Luckily I have funds to last me for up to 2 years, which is a big influence in my decision thinking.

Thanks for the comments and for enabling me to see both sides of the options. The problem if I do stay is that I won't be able to do as little as possible as suggested, as the it is a 100mph+ role at the moment (hence my dilema I guess...)

[Durbs]

As they say, a change is as good as a rest!

If its got the the stage where it is affecting your health then you need to take some time out. If you have a few months cash saved up then jump. If its got to the stage where you are seeing stress symptoms then you need to look after yourself as simply keeping slogging on will make them become a more permanent fixture of your life. Life is short and there's more to it than cash!