Client slow with renewals - look for something else?

[psychocandy]

Current client is decent enough but completely useless at getting renewals sorted. They always leave it until the last minute.

Reason for this is mainly the guy doing it is completely useless and it needs to be agreed in head office in another country.

Now my current contract runs out end Dec. Been trying to get some sense to get it sorted before Xmas (it aint gonna happen between Xmas/New Year). All, I get is its in the plan and very likely.

Been applying for some other gigs just in case. Not much about though. Also, dont want to waste my time/money attending interviews just in case.

What everyone else think?

Also, come Jan 3rd and its not sorted, what to do? Stay home until they sort or go in and give them a day or twos slack? I know strictly speaking I shouldnt go in but it means I'm losing a few billable days possibly and causing bad feeling if I do this?

[MarillionFan]

Apply for roles you are only interested in and which may pay better or be better situated to get to.

Present clientco did this last year. Come the Friday, sorry MF we haven't managed to get anything sorted for next week but we should have something the week after. Don't worry, I've got a three monther elsewhere.

Leave it to the last minute at your peril.

[d000hg]

Make sure the people you work with (i.e. your 'line manager') knows your renewal isn't sorted and unfortunately you can't come in after your end date unless/until it gets sorted. Sound apologetic - so they aren't left in the **** and know who to blame.

Then don't come in... but make sure the agent is well aware too, simply not turning up without warning is unprofessional.

[northernladuk]

IMHO just keep your head down and keep working regardless. No need to look for another role. Just keep turning up regardless of contract situation and you will be fine. We all know contracts aren't really worth the paper they are written on and client co will forget so even if you don't get the renewal turn up on site next year until they notice which could be years. Sorted

[psychocandy]

Make sure the people you work with (i.e. your 'line manager') knows your renewal isn't sorted and unfortunately you can't come in after your end date unless/until it gets sorted. Sound apologetic - so they aren't left in the **** and know who to blame.

Then don't come in... but make sure the agent is well aware too, simply not turning up without warning is unprofessional.

The guy sorting the renewal is my line manager but hes useless....

Trouble is I plan to work up until New Year and, of course, in all likelihood there'll be no one to tell I wont be in after the bank holiday.

[psychocandy]

IMHO just keep your head down and keep working regardless. No need to look for another role. Just keep turning up regardless of contract situation and you will be fine. We all know contracts aren't really worth the paper they are written on and client co will forget so even if you don't get the renewal turn up on site next year until they notice which could be years. Sorted

[d000hg]

The guy sorting the renewal is my line manager but hes useless....

Trouble is I plan to work up until New Year and, of course, in all likelihood there'll be no one to tell I wont be in after the bank holiday.

Just make sure he knows then - tell him clearly you won't be in after the holiday if it's not sorted before.

[ChrisPackit]

IMHO just keep your head down and keep working regardless. No need to look for another role. Just keep turning up regardless of contract situation and you will be fine. We all know contracts aren't really worth the paper they are written on and client co will forget so even if you don't get the renewal turn up on site next year until they notice which could be years. Sorted

I did this at HBOS a few years ago, and when the IT Manager saw me on site, he frog-marched me off site !! Got the contract sorted later that day so wasn't a huge issue, but would be wary of turning up without a contract in place...

[northernladuk]

I did this at HBOS a few years ago, and when the IT Manager saw me on site, he frog-marched me off site !! Got the contract sorted later that day so wasn't a huge issue, but would be wary of turning up without a contract in place...

It was a sarcastic response to yet another post requesting us to sort Psychobabbles contracting career out for him again.

You cannot turn up on site without a contract. You are just a member of the public to them now and how would your client feel a member of the public walking on to site? You are not covered by their insurances, policies, nothing. Turning up without at the very least a verbal agreement to do so is just plain stupid. Might as well throw IR35 out of the window as well. Turning up to work without a contract?? If that isn't permie mentality I don't know what is.

[rd409]

This is the case with me as well. The only difference is that I've got another role lined up for next 2 months starting 4th Jan. So when the line manager tells he wants me to sign the extension; all I say is "Sorry, too late. I've already committed myself to another role. But I will be available end of February, if you want me to come back, you have my contact details; just get in touch and I will be more than happy to be of any further assistance."

Politeness will always work.
HTH.
Dave.