contract offer

[beoptima]

I was just contacted by an employer whom I have worked with before and clsoer to my home with an offer.I'm in dilemma now as I'm in a sc cleared role and don't know if it is worth leaving it..obviosuly we have been noticing that there will be cuts in govt projects in future..the offer made by my previous employer has slightly lesser rate(£15 less) but it is closer to home

[TykeMerc]

Since you've posted about the roles you're seeking opinions, mine is that a contractor should see out a contract to the end of the term except in fairly extreme circumstances.

[RichardCranium]

Is there any way you can do both?

Say to CurrentCo "I have to commute / winter / whatever can I do the same hours but over 4 days?" It has been fairly common practice on the SC sites I've worked at. Better still, can you commit to their deadlines doing 4 days' worth of hours in 3 days a week?

What is required for the 'closer to home' client? Any chance of doing the gig with one long day on site and one long day at home, equalling 3 days' worth of hours?

Others have pulled this off, allegedly.

[northernladuk]

Since you've posted about the roles you're seeking opinions, mine is that a contractor should see out a contract to the end of the term except in fairly extreme circumstances.

Totally WHS. I have seen other belters pop up that would have beaten the one I am on hands down but I am not unhappy with current rate or commute so will see it though.

[MarillionFan]

Totally WHS. I have seen other belters pop up that would have beaten the one I am on hands down but I am not unhappy with current rate or commute so will see it though.

I disagree with both yourself and Tyke.

Your concept of loyalty is misplaced. I would not suggest you walk from a contract but if you have a notice period on a contract then if needs be use it to take something better.

As much as the concept that contractors are a 'business' in truth we are all individuals and so personal decisions especially around travel should be considered.

[TykeMerc]

I disagree with both yourself and Tyke.

Your concept of loyalty is misplaced. I would not suggest you walk from a contract but if you have a notice period on a contract then if needs be use it to take something better.

For me it's nothing to do with any concept of loyalty, it's all about professional and personal integrity.

I'm fed up with the image many clients have of contractors being unreliable and likely to bail for something marginally better, it's a perception that I've had to fight against for far more years than I'd care to admit. I've lost track of the number of places I've worked where the permies have a jaundiced view of all contractors and no doubt it's one of the reasons that contract terms and conditions have become more restrictive.

Obviously it's a morality and integrity issue that's entirely up to the individual contractor so views are bound to differ, mine is to see contracts through to the end barring extreme circumstances.

[MarillionFan]

And as commendable as your
professionalism is, it is at best naive.

I look to maximise my earnings combined with travelling time. If benched I would take a lesser role to ensure cash rolls in. I would ensure that I negotiate proper break clauses and would use them if a much better role came along.

I have never had to fight against preconceived ideas of contractors. I am an individual, professional and brilliant at what I do, but coupled with the knowledge that I
come first and the client comes second.

[nomadd]

I am an individual ...and brilliant at what I do ...with the knowledge that I come first

So, and insular, arrogant, self-centred egoist.

I predict a bright future for you in contracting. You should fit in perfectly.

[Support Monkey]

I disagree with both yourself and Tyke.

Your concept of loyalty is misplaced. I would not suggest you walk from a contract but if you have a notice period on a contract then if needs be use it to take something better.

As much as the concept that contractors are a 'business' in truth we are all individuals and so personal decisions especially around travel should be considered.

Totally agree its one thing to be loyal when you have a good contract but at the end of the day its just that a contract, if clients or agents want integrity and loyalty they should employ a permie instead as its the very nature of contracting thats the contractor may leave or be asked to leave at short notice and you have to look after number one (cos thats what agents and clients do), so check out the notice period, look at substitution or try and negotiate less days to fit in both but if all else fails do what you have to do for your situation.

I think we are gonna see alot more people jumping ship anyway as all those people who have been benched for a while and then took lesser paid contracts the minute they see a better rate there gonna jump regardless.

[craig1]

I'd disagree with the points about contractors not needing loyalty. Over the years, at least 2/3rds of my work has come from repeat work, referrals or interviews swung by name dropping people the interviewer knows who he can have an informal chat about me with. If you repeatedly jump ship or leave the client high and dry for a few extra £ a day then it gets known, especially if you're in a small market or go for one particular client type.

That said, I've always believed contracting is the best way to get what you want out of life, if that for you is being able to chop and change jobs as you please then leaving a contract for a better one may be the right choice.