2 contracts at same time?

[greyanatomy]

Hi guys,

New to posting, been lurking for a long time, how sad!

Anyway, i would really appreciate your advice.

I have a very good relationship with my current client, but work for me is running out. I have found a new role, but the new client is adamant I start one week earlier than my current client is awilling to release me.
My question is, does anyone know any reasons why I COULDNT work for both clients for the final week, assuming I bill appropriately? My new client would know the situation, my current client would not.
Opinions would be much appreciated thanks.

[Sockpuppet]

Yes you can do this.

[greyanatomy]

Thanks Sockpuppet, do you know if I legally have to inform both parties?

Thanks

[northernladuk]

The whole idea of being a business is you can run the contracts as you see fit. You could bill both of them fo a full week if you could get away with it.

Start to think like a business rather than a permie.

[malvolio]

Been there, done that, for a while I had quite a nice day rate. Even now I have a big and a little gig, running in parallel.

Just be certain you are doing the full job for both parties.

[greyanatomy]

Did both clients know about it? Not sure if I should / have to, tell them or not?

Cheers

[TheFaQQer]

The whole idea of being a business is you can run the contracts as you see fit. You could bill both of them fo a full week if you could get away with it.

Start to think like a business rather than a permie.

WHS.

What's the worst that can happen if the current client finds out?

[northernladuk]

Depends on the circumstances. If client A wants you to work Mon/Tue, client B Tues/Weds then there should be no reason for them to know. If the dates clash then I don't think it a problem to advise them you are working for client B at this time can they make a different day.

If you client A is aying you for 5 days and client B for 2 days then keep you mouth shut

[greyanatomy]

I would effectively be working for both of them at the same time (would invoice accordingly though!)

I dont want to burn any bridges with current client as it has been a great programme and I'm well regarded, so don't want to jeopardise that.

However, dont want to miss out on a good opportunity with big programme of work for the sake of a week.

Thanks for your comments, and your right, ultimately this is my business and I chose how I conduct it, but I dont want to jeopardise references later on as I am in a senior role for this client, and the world gets ever smaller

[Old Greg]

I have a 5 day per week contract, and am also doing 1 day per week on my previous contract for 3 months, which I do for 1.5 to 2 hours per day on the train. Works quite nicely but it's a bit of a shock to the system starting work before 7:00 a.m. every morning.