Contract technology issue

**northernladuk** · 12 April 2011, 08:15

Not sure exactly how we are supposed to give you any informed opinion on your very personal situation based such little and generic feed back.

Based on literally nothing I would work and invoice but keep an eye out for other work to slip in to in the future. Make yourself available and show you are knowledgeable in anything that comes up in your skillset and if they see yuo can add value they may consider moving you.

Bench time is not a good option when you are in contract IMO.

**pmeswani** · 12 April 2011, 08:23

Originally posted by russell View Post

Hi,

I have been in a contract for over a year now and I still haven't got any work in my core skillset. I have been placed on a project which involves using a niche technology that I don't particularly enjoy or see much demand for. The contract is up for renewal soon but I am seriously thinking about telling them to shove it? They could clearly see my skills on my CV when they hired me. What do you think?

Rusty

Rather than looking at the negatives (i.e. bespoke / niche application), why not look at the postives?

You have demonstrated to the client that you are able to adapt, learn and take on new challenges with new products and new environments.

Some clients will look at what you can do in terms of soft skills as well as technical skills. Ok, you have been with your client for over a year... well done. If you keep on renewing, your future cleints will see you as committed to seeing a project through. If you walk alway now, you will have to blag to your future clients as to why your current contract ended. If you can confidently blag, then walk away and hope for the best.

I can't say for sure as to what is in your best interest, but you need to adapt your attitude to looking at what you can do from every possible angle.

**Murder1** · 12 April 2011, 08:27

Originally posted by russell View Post

Hi,

I have been in a contract for over a year now and I still haven't got any work in my core skillset. I have been placed on a project which involves using a niche technology that I don't particularly enjoy or see much demand for. The contract is up for renewal soon but I am seriously thinking about telling them to shove it? They could clearly see my skills on my CV when they hired me. What do you think?

Rusty

You could be professional and say "no thank you"

If you've disliked this role for a while have you made any attempt to locate another role? If not, why not?

**russell** · 12 April 2011, 08:42

Thanks for all the replies. I will not be renewing my contract, there is a risk that I could be here for years working on a technology I have no interest in and deplore. I just thought it disingenuous of the client to hire me based on my CV, then for the last year I have done nothing regarding my skill set. Like hiring Tiger Woods and making him play snooker. I have already a few irons in the fire including a previous client interested.

@Murder1, of course I was using that phrase to mean not renews, I wouldn't literally say that to them. sorry if It came across as unprofessional.

Thanks again for the replies, sorry I couldn't be more specific but I don't want to plaster my clients business all over the internet.

Rusty

**ChimpMaster** · 12 April 2011, 09:52

I'm curious - what's the niche technology you're talking about?

Fair enough that you don't enjoy it, but often it's the niche skills that make the money, not the generic ones.

**russell** · 12 April 2011, 10:15

Originally posted by ChimpMaster View Post

I'm curious - what's the niche technology you're talking about?

Fair enough that you don't enjoy it, but often it's the niche skills that make the money, not the generic ones.

The main problem is I really don't like working with it, I am sure I could carve out a niche and get a better rate but I would also be miserable as feck.

I would rather earn bit less but have lots of roles available and enjoy my job.

**rd409** · 12 April 2011, 14:37

The project you were hired for, got shelved. The client was generous enough to keep you on board, and let you work on something else. Have you thought about this angle?

**russell** · 12 April 2011, 14:45

Originally posted by rd409 View Post

The project you were hired for, got shelved. The client was generous enough to keep you on board, and let you work on something else. Have you thought about this angle?

This didn't happen though. More likely is they have no clue how to do development, and the people hiring don't know what is going on in the projects.

**rd409** · 12 April 2011, 15:46

Originally posted by russell View Post

This didn't happen though. More likely is they have no clue how to do development, and the people hiring don't know what is going on in the projects.

Then you should be lucky to be invoicing till date. Just dont renew the contract, and move to next role. But let me warn you, being a contractor, you do not have the luxury of working in exciting technologies or have favourite tools. The flavour of the month is what keeps the invoices generating.
HTH.

Contract technology issue