Exiting a contract - strategy?

[funkyd]

My contract is about to end - I know because I overheard the HR person talking about some interview and the next day the IT manager and her had a meeting with a guy that was obviously an interview.

I am on a months notice so does that imply that they will find their permie and then tell me officially? The funny thing is that they are using the same agency that I am with and neither party has told me.

As I have some advance warning I am keen to get something new setup - which may come along before they have their new person meaning I leave before the new person even starts.

AFAIK (reading my contract) I am just as free to give my notice as they are - but it will mean shafting them - unless they want to negotiate a special extension.

Anyone done this sort of thing in light of news they are to be got rid of?

Cheers.

[The Master]

Sit tight to the end of the contract and see. Never assume anything. So saying, will do no harm to see what's around just in case.

[funkyd]

Sit tight to the end of the contract and see. Never assume anything. So saying, will do no harm to see what's around just in case.

I just don't fancy doing a handover - there isn't anyone internally I can handover to. The client is ok but totally out of their depth and tbh with all the problems I have had enough and just want to leave.

The handover will be long and complicated but only I know anything about their systems - it's going to be hell

[nobody here but us chicke]

leaving

I just don't fancy doing a handover - there isn't anyone internally I can handover to. The client is ok but totally out of their depth and tbh with all the problems I have had enough and just want to leave.

The handover will be long and complicated but only I know anything about their systems - it's going to be hell

correction - it's going to be lucrative consultancy.

[The Master]

only I know anything about their systems

Ker-ching!! Jackpot!!!

Assuming you are not massively overstating your importance to the client, just sit tight and let the contract end. In the meantime, start putting together the support and training package that you will be marketing to them.

[cojak]

Oh yes, (assuming you've done the usual documentation you would expect from a competent contractor), do no more than is asked of you. It's for them to come up to you and tell you that 'the time has come...'. They may not tell you until the day before they want you to leave. Then's the time to start negotiating...

[funkyd]

I am the only IT person they have had for the last few years. I have done all the documentation and have a good idea how to do a handover. There is also a programmer - they are asking for a person to replace us both with a salary "open to offers"!

The skillset they have asked for is totally wrong - lacking some major skills - they just ask for a person with an MCSE

I could probably offer them post contract support and all sorts - have to see

[cojak]

there ya go.. chin up!

Every cloud an' all that!

[funkyd]

there ya go.. chin up!

Every cloud an' all that!

Like a new contract.

There is plenty out there and rates have gone up so nothing to worry about. I've got a bit on the side to keep the cash flow going so not really a problem.

Must take some holiday as well - nothing for nearly 2 years.

How does time-out go down at the moment - not that an agency would ever know mind you. I would like to take a break, do a bit of work for my sideline clients and update my skills, spend some cash.

[BlasterBates]

Its not your problem, ...good if its a month to the end of the contract then politely ask if they are going to renew. As for the handover, that isn't your problem. Taking on code from someone else isn't as big a deal as most people make out.