Advise needed on leaving current contract

[jerseyjoe]

Your biggest problem is probably that you have been working for local government. To most private sector organisations that is slightly less desirable than leprosy.

I worked in the Private Sector for 9 years prior to this contract although I have no PM experience in the Private Sector....so hopefully I won't be treated as a leper

[krytonsheep]

Out of interest, how do you know this?

Never stuck any references on my CV and never given them out to agencies.

[Scrag Meister]

1 month notice is perfectly acceptable by most reputable companies who want good staff, rather than taking what just happens to be available at the time.

[rd409]

1 month notice is perfectly acceptable by most reputable companies who want good staff, rather than taking what just happens to be available at the time.

That's not true. I have been sidelined for quite a few gigs, over last few years, just because I had 2-3 weeks availability time. I have only had one client who waited for me for a month so far. It's not always required, but when you are available asap, it makes you a lot more desirable.

[jmo21]

That's not true. I have been sidelined for quite a few gigs, over last few years, just because I had 2-3 weeks availability time. I have only had one client who waited for me for a month so far. It's not always required, but when you are available asap, it makes you a lot more desirable.

I'd actually suggest the agent did not even give the clients the option to refuse you.

[Clippy]

1 month notice is perfectly acceptable by most reputable companies who want good staff, rather than taking what just happens to be available at the time.

That well may be but you have to get past the agent who, on most occasions, is only interested in getting his commission - preferably now rather than later.

[Support Monkey]

As a permie and a contractor I've never had a request for a reference. I think it's because permies have probationary periods, and contractors can be terminated at any time. Saying that, I've only worked in the private sector.

WHS, been asked a thousand times by agencies fishing but have never needed references either permie or contract

[2BIT]

Thanks for that 2BIT. I take it from your reply that like me you feel the 1 month notice period is going to weigh down my chances of a new contract elsewhere?

not necessarily but you should negotiate no notice period if looking to renew. you are in the best possible position as you have a war chest and a potential extension so if you decide to stay negotiate a no notice or one week notice clause - bluff and make that your deal breaker and you'll probably get it - that way you can move quickly if need be and earn the bucks in the meantime - but don't stay 'as is' imho

[2BIT]

I worked in the Private Sector for 9 years prior to this contract although I have no PM experience in the Private Sector....so hopefully I won't be treated as a leper

just don't tell anyone!!

[NotAllThere]

That well may be but you have to get past the agent who, on most occasions, is only interested in getting his commission - preferably now rather than later.

Easy then. Tell the agent you're available immediately, and look all surprised when if the client mentions it, or looks perturbed when you say that you're available in 4 weeks.