Contract dilemma???

[badger7579]

Slight dilemma but I recon I'm handling it in a professional way.

Been in my current contract 6 months and could do with a change. Have been approached by agent for another contract closer to home and more cash (keching) but they want me yesterday.

I've thought about it and to keep it professional I cant leave current contract in the lurch and want to leave on a good level in case of future work.

So have agreed the following with agent. If no other suitable candidate is found in the next few days they will have client sign contract and return to me. I can then tell current client and perform handover and just work the end of the contract.

Just a little bit nervous as current client has indicated an extension but subject to budget.

Danger is new client finds a candidate in the next few days (Although unlikely as I know they have been looking for the last 3-4 weeks) or signs the contract and then finds someone but I guess that’s the risk I need to take.

I've got to say my main motivation is that rate is significantly better and closer to home, the work is pretty standard.

Any thoughts out there on this?

[nomadd]

So have agreed the following with agent. If no other suitable candidate is found in the next few days they will have client sign contract and return to me. I can then tell current client and perform handover and just work the end of the contract.

Well, I wouldn't trust an agent as far as I could throw one, so I'd say do nothing until you have the new signed and sealed contract in your hands - and make sure you have it in writing from the agent that their contract with the end client has also been signed. Then just simply hand your notice in. Sure, the new contract could get cancelled before, or shortly after, you start, but that's life as far as a contractor is concerned.

[northernladuk]

Well, I wouldn't trust an agent as far as I could throw one, so I'd say do nothing until you have the new signed and sealed contract in your hands - and make sure you have it in writing from the agent that their contract with the end client has also been signed. Then just simply hand your notice in. Sure, the new contract could get cancelled before, or shortly after, you start, but that's life as far as a contractor is concerned.

WHS. You are going to have to play this one very mean. Didn't we have a post not so long ago about someone trying to balance to roles and ended up with neither of them? Someone isn't going to be happy whatever you do so best make sure that someone isn't you I am afraid

[badger7579]

Yeah agree I won’t say anything to current client until I have contract in hand. I'm hoping I can keep current client on side as I am giving them the contractual notice period so should not be a problem there. If I had walked out of the door today I could understand them being a bit Pi$$ed. Just hope the other contract holds up, assuming I get signed contract back in a few days.

[MarillionFan]

My suggestion would be to tell the new client/agency that you are interested in the role and would like to do it.

I would then discuss with the existing client that you have a new role you are interested in.

Then try and cut a deal with both. So for the new client I can start on 2/3 days. For existing 2/3 days, with a view to handover on the original client.

That way you don't lose and cut down your risk.

That's what I am doing at the moment(two at the same time).

[badger7579]

I dont feel I can tell current client until new client has signed and returned contract to me. If the new client does not send contract back then I'll take the extension. If new contract is returned to me by the deadline the existing client still gets 5 days handover from me.

[badger7579]

Bugger!!! They found somone else. Looks like I chase the renewal for current client. Hey ho thats contracting

[pmeswani]

Bugger!!! They found somone else. Looks like I chase the renewal for current client. Hey ho thats contracting

I'm just thinking about that gift horse. Personally, I would have accepted the other contract (if it was what I was after and assuming the current contract was easy to walk away from).

Hope you get the renewal.

[badger7579]

It wasn’t a particularly exciting project but just a bit closer to home and better rate, which is a good a reason as any. Anyway I will put this down to experience and move on. My philosophy is there is always something round the corner.

[pmeswani]

My philosophy is there is always something round the corner.

Yeah... I have that same philosphy, but usually it ends up with a bus and blood.