Should I leave this contract?

**kingcook** · 8 August 2011, 13:45

Getting stressed because you're watching people around you being "fired"? Why are you a contractor again? Seriously, why don't you look for a permenent job?

**eek** · 8 August 2011, 13:46

Originally posted by bluedrop View Post

(more info: I am a solvency2 BA, on a rate of £400 a day, in Edinburgh)

The above explains everything. Its a project with tight deadlines, they are leaving it late and its going pear shaped.

Now if you having a renewal coming up you could try and find another contract but otherwise I think you'll have to be stick with it. Leaving them in the lurch at the moment may cause even more problems for the client and they will try and darken your name.

**northernladuk** · 8 August 2011, 13:50

Yes you should leave it as soon as you can. It appears you do not have the kahunas required to work in a difficult situation is going to be a real problem if you are going to continue in a contracting 'career'.

By the way... are the guys around you permies? Contractors do not get 'fired' or 'sacked' and being asked to leave there and then isn't unusual. If you can't handle that you need to go back to permie.

**bluedrop** · 8 August 2011, 13:57

kingcook
Getting stressed because you're watching people around you being "fired"? Why are you a contractor again? Seriously, why don't you look for a permenent job?

northernladuk
Yes you should leave it as soon as you can. It appears you do not have the kahunas required to work in a difficult situation is going to be a real problem if you are going to continue in a contracting 'career'.

By the way... are the guys around you permies? Contractors do not get 'fired' or 'sacked' and being asked to leave there and then isn't unusual. If you can't handle that you need to go back to permie.

Thanks for the kind words. I just started my contracting career ...barely 2 contract old. but I am a tough nut...its just about finding out the ways of the world in contracting... I'll learn to swim and will never ever go back to permie work...

**bluedrop** · 8 August 2011, 13:59

Originally posted by eek View Post

The above explains everything. Its a project with tight deadlines, they are leaving it late and its going pear shaped.

Now if you having a renewal coming up you could try and find another contract but otherwise I think you'll have to be stick with it. Leaving them in the lurch at the moment may cause even more problems for the client and they will try and darken your name.

Thank you. To be honest, i am okay working here...I'd like to stay until the end of my contract...just wondering I should pick up clues to move on...

**northernladuk** · 8 August 2011, 14:19

Originally posted by bluedrop View Post

Thanks for the kind words. I just started my contracting career ...barely 2 contract old. but I am a tough nut...its just about finding out the ways of the world in contracting... I'll learn to swim and will never ever go back to permie work...

I am sorry you find straight feedback difficult but I would seriously beg to differ on the highlighted point.

The situation hasnt changed much. My work has been relatively less stressful, but seeing ppl being fired is being very stressful...

A tough nut would not see this as stressful. They would see it as an opportunity as numbers are dwindling and you are still in. More like a win.

we were 3 BAs in the team. 2 were sacked last week oweing to performance issues (I dont know if there were really any performance issues) they were sacked and sent offsite within minutes...no notice period too!

WGAS what happens to them. You are still there. More like a win.

I asked my Prgm Manager if I was next...he said 'no, we will not let you go. we value your work'... I am the only BA in the team at the moment...though I am sincere and good at what I do,

Crying to you rmanager will not help your cause. Get your head down, work hard and prove yourself. He isn't going to say yes you are next but you won't find out until next week will he? His feedback to you is worthless as he will tell you what to hear/suits him.

I am stressed since I dont have much work on my table at the moment.

You do one of two things. Make work or blag it. That is life. You will be in this position in most contracts, particularly at the beginning when they ramp up or have a quiet period during holiday season. The ones that stay are the ones that deal with it. The ones that go are the ones that get stressed and cannot demostrate they are busy. It is part of being a contractor.

While this is a good company, lots of learning, I am wondering if I should move on?

Wondering if you should pack a well paid contract in that you like is for losers, not tough nuts. Seriously. If it pays well, you like it and it appears you are carving a nice little niche for yourself you get your head down, make yourself invaluable and bill as long as you can.

If you want to put yourself on the bench for no reason leaving good positions open please forward me the job specs and I will do it.

To be honest, i am okay working here...

Whatever your situation it can't do any harm to look around. If it is so bad (I can't tell anymore) keep your eye out for another role. Even approaching renewal time you should have an eye on the market 2 weeks or so before. If something comes up that is same pay, same distance with nicer cotton wool environment you switch. Nothing wrong with looking after yourself and looking out for better opportunities. Maybe if you know the market has something for you and there are other things you might like doing the fact everyone is getting 'sacked' wouldn't be as stressful, just means if it ihappens to you you know there are other things to go to. Might help with the stress if nothing else.

**bluedrop** · 8 August 2011, 14:28

@northernladuk : Thank you.

**lukemg** · 11 August 2011, 10:14

WTAS - I presume a contract is going to be rough and take anything else as a bonus. There have been many times I will put up with things on contract that I would not as a perm but I see that as part of the premium they are paying for = v.low maintenance.
Head down and get on with it, if they still decide to say bye, then it's their loss, leave with a smile and move on.

**bluedrop** · 26 September 2011, 18:13

Northernladuk, lukemg, eek and others. I read your replies again today, your advice is PRECIOUS. Thank you so much...

Finally, they asked me to leave (saying they dont have enough work for me anymore, they are not happy with my deliverables!! not even a month ago, my PM said I was a valuable resource!) I left with a smile. The quality of work they've been giving me was slowly declining, I should have picked the clues.

Next contract, here i come!

(I am feeling pathetic about this contracting termination though)

Should I leave this contract?