Dilemma

[slickcontractor]

I read alot off CUK but never post so thought i'd give it a go. I am sure Someone can give some wise sound advice on how to approach this issue

Situation A

I have been contracting at clientCo for 3 months now. Upon acceptance off offer, i was told that the contract wouldn't go beyond 3 months but they would let me know nearer to the time. As we are nearing the end off 3 months, it is apparent there is more work for an extra month which is good. More work, more mulla. They are willing to give me an extension on the condition that i commit to this 1 extra month and they will get this approved only on the basis that i have agreed to carry on working for this one month and will not leave should i get another contract.

Situation B

In the beginning off the month i was advised that there wont be an extention and i was given the go ahead to start job hunting which i did and I have managed to secure a telephone interview at a certain clientco on monday and should that be successfull, a face to face in the same week and if all goes well a start date is scheduled which at the time off arranging this would tie in to when i was leaving my current job. This one is a 6-12 month contract (i know never guaranteed in this climate)

Dilemma

I have accepted the extension offer from my current clientco. Better in a job than not in a job at this time. My only problem begins when i am succesful with the new client co. Why it is a problem is because, i am the only contractor here and the only tester here. If i leave, there is no one to carry out my tests. If i dont take the new job, after a month i am out off work and in a worse off situation because i decided not to burn bridges and walk out (the contractor in me 2 yrs ago would have walked out without any remorse but i grew up ). I defo dont want to burn bridges because this is the 2nd time i am working with them, so i am keen on hearing how some off you have handled such a situation if any.

[gingerjedi]

Cue the old adage... How would you feel if a builder agreed to do your extension and then fecked off after week one?

You need to think about your reputation as contracting can be a very small world.

[denver2k]

I'd secure the other gig first. And then let ClientCo know that there is an offer of 6-12 months @ xyz rate, if they can match this, its good otherwise in current economic climate its not possible to miss such an oppurtunity.

My 2c

[pzz76077]

Yea right sound advice on CUK..

How about sign up for the months extension with client co A.

If you get the gig with CCo B, then tell them that you will need the 2 or 3 weeks between end of contract A before you can start contract B.

(Use the contract from gig B to stall for more time by pinging it back to the agent several times querying various clauses for no particular reason if you like).

If client co A is in any way worried about not having a test resource as much as you are (not your problem in my estimation) , they will agree to renew your contract for a longer period. If they aint thinking in this way, then who gives sh*t, not client A who will create the resource shortfall??

PZZ

[xchaotic]

Is there really no way that you could extend the start date for the new client beyond this 1 month?
In my last two jobs, the clients were waiting 2.5 and 4 months respectively for me to finish my previous thing...

[Torrango]

I would definitely see if there is some give in Client B's start date. If the contract is 6-12 months, and your skillset is reasonably specialised (i.e. it's a pain for them to find somebody else quickly), then I'm sure they'd be willing to wait a month.

[Fred Bloggs]

Tell lies to client B. And to client A too, if required..........You've got a three weeks holiday to visit relatives in Australia or you've been called in unexpectedly for an operation etc.... Do what it takes to get both things done.

[denver2k]

Tell lies to client B. And to client A too, if required..........You've got a three weeks holiday to visit relatives in Australia or you've been called in unexpectedly for an operation etc.... Do what it takes to get both things done.

Sounds like a way forward

[slickcontractor]

Thanks all for your replies. I opted to staying with current client. I explained my situation and i have been informed off a new project starting soon so they have offered me a 3 months extension instead off 1.

happy days