I want to break free

[TopBanana]

I've just started a new contract fairly close to home. The money's OK too. Apart from that, it's a complete disaster. They haven't a clue what they're doing and they're scared to change, and to stand up to certain micro-managers higher up. I've only been there a week but I can feel my IQ dropping and stress levels going in the other direction.

There's no notice clause in the 6 month contract. On the other hand, it's in nobody's interests for me to stay. I've never been in this situation before, and it feels a little unprofessional to leave them in the lurch. Has anyone been in this situation before? Any advice?

[Sockpuppet]

Smile and invoice.

[MarillionFan]

Smile and invoice.

WHS+1

Dont take anything personally, nod and smile, and if you find spare time on your hands, waste it on here or do some training for yourself on the clients time.

As someone on here says! Keep invoooooooiiiiiiiiiiicccccccccccciiiiiiiiiiiiiinnn nnnnnnnnnngggggggggg!

[DaveB]

Smile and invoice.

WHS+1

Dont take anything personally, nod and smile, and if you find spare time on your hands, waste it on here or do some training for yourself on the clients time.

As someone on here says! Keep invoooooooiiiiiiiiiiicccccccccccciiiiiiiiiiiiiinnn nnnnnnnnnngggggggggg!

WTS.

It's not your problem, let the permies worry about managent, keep your head down and keep billing them.

If they decide they dont need you afterall they wont waste time getting rid of you or wqorry about how that will affect you, so make the most of it while you can.

[nomadd]

I've just started a new contract fairly close to home. The money's OK too. Apart from that, it's a complete disaster. They haven't a clue what they're doing and they're scared to change, and to stand up to certain micro-managers higher up. I've only been there a week but I can feel my IQ dropping and stress levels going in the other direction.

There's no notice clause in the 6 month contract. On the other hand, it's in nobody's interests for me to stay. I've never been in this situation before, and it feels a little unprofessional to leave them in the lurch. Has anyone been in this situation before? Any advice?

Been in this situation at my last site!

As other's have said, don't take it personally and just try to chill out (not easy, I know!) Stick to your guns about telling them how things could be done better, but don't get too upset if they don't want to take good advice; that's their problem, not yours. Stay professional at all times; that will leave them looking like idiots. And if that's how they wish to be perceived...

I'm glad I stuck with the last one: six months of top money, and it almost certainly helped me get my current role. As for you, as long as things aren't made a nightmare by rude/abusive management, I'd say do the same. If they start getting rude/unprofessional, detail all of this in writing to the agent alongside a threat to withdraw services. Then at least if things get worse you can walk away with no legal obligations to them.

[quackhandle]

My wife got made redundant last year - her office (x4) had to all reapply for their jobs. She wasn't successful, and her boss (Ass MD) went into the interview, collapsed due to the stress of applying for his own job and died an hour later.

I'm waiting for the next gig, have 1st child due in Nov, war chest went last year.

And your complaining about BEING IN A JOB? THAT IS CLOSE TO HOME. AND THE MONEY'S GOOD?

Sorry won't be coming to your pity party.

qh

[BolshieBastard]

Hmmm, its ok people to say keep invoicing but some of us like to think we have professional stadards. I agree clients can get rid of us at the drop of a hat but that's up to them. Because they act like dickheads does that mean we have to as well?

Im not sure. There are other things to consider not least your own sanity and how roles like this can drag you down. If you take an 'ah **** it' attitude, you'll soon find it cropping up in other aspects of that tough piece of work you have to get completed asap and you say 'ah **** it. Its not my best but why bother?' Erm because we're supposed to be professionals, that's why.

If a job is tulip, I'd say look to get out asap so long as you have something else lined up. If you cant terminate the contract, either get a sub in or work the contract but dont renew.

I've a friend in a similar position and have told them pretty much the same.

[MarillionFan]

Hmmm, its ok people to say keep invoicing but some of us like to think we have professional stadards. I agree clients can get rid of us at the drop of a hat but that's up to them. Because they act like dickheads does that mean we have to as well?

Im not sure. There are other things to consider not least your own sanity and how roles like this can drag you down. If you take an 'ah **** it' attitude, you'll soon find it cropping up in other aspects of that tough piece of work you have to get completed asap and you say 'ah **** it. Its not my best but why bother?' Erm because we're supposed to be professionals, that's why.

If a job is tulip, I'd say look to get out asap so long as you have something else lined up. If you cant terminate the contract, either get a sub in or work the contract but dont renew.

I've a friend in a similar position and have told them pretty much the same.

Well yes and no. At the end of the day it's your choice whether you place 'your standards' higher than 'your contract rate'. I think it's swings and roundabouts. If you're happy with the cash, then ride the train. If you hate it or feel you are being compromised then jack it and take another one. So when Dim says, keep invoicing. It means just that!! But don't be a flouncer and put the cash above your professional aspirations if you have nothing to go to. No sympathy for benchers with morals IMHO!.

[escapeUK]

Its 6 months. Ive worked in a permie role like that for years!!

When you have done 6 years work with people you despise, with no real work to do you get used to it. Obviously i wouldnt go back to that.

But if someone wanted me to do it for 6 months for what double, triple a permie salary then I would.

[VectraMan]

There's no notice clause in the 6 month contract. On the other hand, it's in nobody's interests for me to stay. I've never been in this situation before, and it feels a little unprofessional to leave them in the lurch. Has anyone been in this situation before? Any advice?

Can you send me as a substitute? I'd quite happily take my laptop and do my own work on a client's site for money.

If you have no ability to give notice (as opposed to not having to give notice which is different), there's not a lot you can do apart from try to explain the situation and see if they'll let you go. Though FWIW, I've started out hating all my gigs, even the ones that I've been sad to leave at the end. One week is nothing, and thinking about the money can get you through almost anything.