Being asked to help recruit for my replacement!

**malvolio** · 11 July 2009, 16:46

It's no part of your job to recruit permanent staff, nor to train your replacement. You don't work for them, you are there to deliver a service. If they want to stop you delivering that service, then fine. If they want you to help out, that's a new contract.

**nomadd** · 11 July 2009, 16:48

Originally posted by MrHelpful View Post

My first post and need some advice... or just a opportunity to air my thoughts

[snip]

Thanks in advance

You seem to have convinced yourself that you have a choice. You don't. It's not your company. You can either walk - a very foolish thing to do in the current market - or just get on with finding your replacement.

In 20 years of contracting, I've had to do this about 3 times, and all because the market had turned and HR have introduced a "no contractors" rule. Just accept it - you are a contractor, not a permie. If you don't like it, well just accept a permie job with them. Sorry, but that's how contracting is; I suggest you get used to it!

I remember one contract where I was introduced to the rest of the team on the first day as "the guy who's only job is to put himself out of a job by training up you lot!" Nice, eh? Mind you, I kept that contract going for 4.5 years!

I lost my last role - as did all the other UK contractors - as we had to train up and pass the work over to cheap indians, all brought over to the UK to work cheaply. Thank your lucky stars you are not in that position!

Nomadd

**zamzummim** · 11 July 2009, 17:28

If I was in your place, I'd do it, be professional and think of this as a new task you need to do and put in 100% effort in it. The manager has stood by you and tried to keep you as long as he could, its not like he is getting rid of you by choice, its not in his hands now, its your turn to demonstrate your professionalism. If you behave professionally the manager and others won't forget it. Every role you take on you are adding your network, you may be going back contracting with them when the market improves, so don't sour the relationships now.

An yeh, keep telling yourself you are a contractor, so leaving is what you do, sooner or later and whatever the reason is, you as a contractor, got to leave, don't get too emotionally attached to your contracting roles - I know its easier said than done, but never forget you are there for a limited period of time.

**RichardCranium** · 11 July 2009, 17:36

Originally posted by MrHelpful View Post

My first post

Originally posted by MrHelpful View Post

I have been asked to help recruit for my replacement by reading through CVs, sitting in on interviews but I feel uncomfortable doing this as I am recruiting for a role I enjoy

Think of this as time they are giving to to find another contract.

If you do feel really uncomfortable, say you are not happy sitting in on the interviews, that you consider it unethical, unprofessional and you don't want to.

However, sifting CVs sounds like a nice cushy way of passing a week or two on contract rate without having to do any real work. Since it is not your prime skill, you can drag that activity out for as long as you like!

You believe you will not be renewed beyond a certain date. If the recruitment of your replacement is still dragging on, will you get an extension to assist? If so, get involved in the recruitment.

Are you to train up your replacement? If so, and you want to, it's all money in the bank because it's damn quiet out here.

I suggest you offer to be helpful and get your CV out to the agencies. Start applying for gigs and going to interviews and leave once you have found something. Do not feel obliged to give them anything other than your contracted notice period.

**chris79** · 11 July 2009, 17:43

Unfortunately the rather British teleco you work at has major financial issues and are taking extreme measures.. As said above you should accept the situation and help them out if they have given your company a good 2+ years of custom.. not many clients run such well paid long-term contracts.

It's the market unfortunately, happens to the best of people they don't care how good you are it's a case of filling a resource to carry out the function cheaper - nothing more. You could always try the extreme measure of offering a BIG rate cut in return for staying in the post? That's something I would probably consider if you are comfortable, and not fancying bench-time.

**Sockpuppet** · 11 July 2009, 18:14

Originally posted by MrHelpful View Post

I have been asked to help recruit for my replacement by reading through CVs, sitting in on interviews but I feel uncomfortable doing this as I am recruiting for a role I enjoy, have built up and everyone knows I am the best man for the job!

You sound like a permie.

If you want job security then go be a permie and take the cut in pay.

You can either here tell them that you will not select/train someone or do it. I know which one will get you more days of invoicing.

It surprises me how many "contractors" actually want to be permies just with higher pay. Then again I'm motivated by change and 12 months is really the longest I'd last in a role before I got bored.

**minestrone** · 11 July 2009, 19:41

I would just take it, let all know that you want to come back when the climate is better, leave someone a CV and tell them to get in touch if a job comes up. Leaving a job on good terms and building up good references over a few years is worth it's weight in gold when times get tough. I am working just now through a network of people I used to work with before.

**Incognito** · 11 July 2009, 19:57

Originally posted by minestrone View Post

I am working just now through a network of people I used to work with before.

With your 'winning' personality that shouldn't take too long.

**RichardCranium** · 11 July 2009, 20:04

Originally posted by Incognito View Post

With your 'winning' personality that shouldn't take too long.

Ouch! Harsh! Just because he's a dweeb...

Being asked to help recruit for my replacement!