Telling a Client that they're Better than Nothing

[supersteamer]

A few weeks to go but my current client has started talking about a contract renewal (ongoing project). It's nice to have the option but the commute's a killer, and there's no option to work from home / fewer hours etc. (day rate & girlfriend won't let me work away).

Given the market I'd like to keep this as a fallback while trying to pick up something else. I don't want to burn bridges as I'd like to have the option to work for this client again. But if I get something else last minute, then surely simply not signing the paperwork just before renewal after saying I was up for it (or sending some random dodgy subbie I find on the internet), is as bad/worse karma as walking out mid-contract.

So should I just tell the client I'm using them as 2nd best? I'd expect they'd go looking for somebody else if I show that I'm not that committed and I'd then loose the option of renewal.

This must be a reasonably common predicament - how do others handle it?

Thanks

[Sausage Surprise]

A few weeks to go but my current client has started talking about a contract renewal (ongoing project). It's nice to have the option but the commute's a killer, and there's no option to work from home / fewer hours etc. (day rate & girlfriend won't let me work away).

Given the market I'd like to keep this as a fallback while trying to pick up something else. I don't want to burn bridges as I'd like to have the option to work for this client again. But if I get something else last minute, then surely simply not signing the paperwork just before renewal after saying I was up for it (or sending some random dodgy subbie I find on the internet), is as bad/worse karma as walking out mid-contract.

So should I just tell the client I'm using them as 2nd best? I'd expect they'd go looking for somebody else if I show that I'm not that committed and I'd then loose the option of renewal.

This must be a reasonably common predicament - how do others handle it?

Thanks

Get another bird you soft tulipe

[DiscoStu]

Get another bird you soft tulipe

If the rate's right I'll work pretty much anywhere.

[EddieNambulous]

So should I just tell the client I'm using them as 2nd best?

In a market where contractors are in short supply, you could probably be upfront and tell them that and still not suffer any adverse consequences - they might even appreciate your directness and honesty.

But we are not in that kind of market.

[Clippy]

If you must leave, do the right thing and find a sub.

You'll keep the client happy and also help out a benched contractor.