When to look for new contracts?

[jmo21]

Unfortunately, a lot of the time, starting to look early doesn't help.

When a pimp finds out you've got six weeks to go, that will normally result in you getting binned anyway. Just about all of the contracts I've even had have been 'urgent' with pimps/clients looking to get you in within two weeks or even quicker if poss.

I usually start the 'feelers' thing with about a month and look seriously in the last ten days or so. having said that, I'm usually a jammy git and something lands in my lap before I start looking properly.

This is generally what I do too.

I ask the boss (or get agent to do it, depending on relationship), if I haven't heard already, how likely an extension is. I start to look closer at job sites, and start a refresh of my CV.

Then with 2 weeks to go (assuming the above is negative, or I haven't heard anything) I start to look more seriously and start sending out my CV either direct to advertised roles, or agents I've dealt with before.

[Sockpuppet]

Well, I am on a 3 months rolling, very likely to be renewed, but an agent told me this opportunity which is more money and better sector. I still have 1.5 months left , is it not a good thing to terminate the contract early if i got the other job?

No its fine. Exactly like you wouldn't be a little pissed if they walked you off site this afternoon. You've signed a contract its best to honor it.

[northernladuk]

Well, I am on a 3 months rolling, very likely to be renewed, but an agent told me this opportunity which is more money and better sector. I still have 1.5 months left , is it not a good thing to terminate the contract early if i got the other job?

I take it from this question you are pretty new to contracting. It would be much more beneficial to see a couple of contracts out before starting to jump ship. I am sure people will come on and argue you are number one, do what suits you but constantly giving notice and going for a new gig is very unprofessional IMO and will most definately come back and bite you in the future.

Later on in the day when you submit your CV and you just have a couple of months here and a few there the client is going to ask you why. At this point you can either lie to him or admit you are unreliable. Catch my drift.

[lje]

Hi there,

I am on a 3 months contract at the moment, 1.5 months have passed, when should I start looking again?

Regards,
Kevin

Well, I am on a 3 months rolling, very likely to be renewed, but an agent told me this opportunity which is more money and better sector. I still have 1.5 months left , is it not a good thing to terminate the contract early if i got the other job?

These two statements don't seem to be internally consistent. Putting that aside...

No - it is not a good thing to walk out of a contract early. You may want to work for them again in the future and keeping a good relationship is important. Besides, the possible other job is currently only a vague possibility.

[kevinlam]

Got an unexpected offer from the new company, they are willing to offer 100k with bonus and package to convince me to join them as a permie!!?

Or I will join them as contractor on 500/day... What should I do?

[Bluespider]

do you want to be a contractor or a permie?

If you want to be the master of your own destiny with all the inherent risks implied, take the 500 a day.
If you are happy on the hamster wheel of the appraisal system and like being 'a company man' take the package.

DO you have any 'life events' coming up? Births, Marraige etc. May be what will swing the comfort of the package.

[psychocandy]

Got an unexpected offer from the new company, they are willing to offer 100k with bonus and package to convince me to join them as a permie!!?

Or I will join them as contractor on 500/day... What should I do?

Not bad either way. What skills are these for and where are you located?

[BolshieBastard]

Unfortunately, a lot of the time, starting to look early doesn't help.

When a pimp finds out you've got six weeks to go, that will normally result in you getting binned anyway. Just about all of the contracts I've even had have been 'urgent' with pimps/clients looking to get you in within two weeks or even quicker if poss.

I usually start the 'feelers' thing with about a month and look seriously in the last ten days or so. having said that, I'm usually a jammy git and something lands in my lap before I start looking properly.

This!

Years ago, you could start looking 4 to 6 weeks before your contract ended and agents \ clients would interview you and wait until you'd finished the existing contract before you'd start.

The market is so tulipe that although it may appear the sooner you start looking the better, that isnt the case. If you say you cannot start immediately, pimps will just move on to find someone who is immediately available.

I started looking 6 weeks ago. I spun the pimps a yarn about leaving my existing contract early but was met with 'if you're not able to start this week, forget it.'

The market is dire. After just finishing a continuous period of 18 months in contract, I now expect to be on the bench for up to 13 weeks.

If I was to look daarn sarrf I could walk into a role on Monday but I dont want.

[kevinlam]

Not bad either way. What skills are these for and where are you located?

It's just the usual java development skills located in central london. I am in a real dilemma...

[Scrag Meister]

Got an unexpected offer from the new company, they are willing to offer 100k with bonus and package to convince me to join them as a permie!!?

Or I will join them as contractor on 500/day... What should I do?

You're on a contracting forum and asking this question.

What do you think the advice will be?

That is a good permie offer depending on size of the bonus and your package!

FYI 46 weeks at 5 days per week at £500pd is £115000 pa.

If your salary+bonus+package > £115000 then something to consider.



Do the maths and then decide.