Contract/Project Notice period

[farout117]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum and to contracting, so please bare with me. :-)

I work for a limited company (not mine), on a rolling contract basis (with 1 month notice period).

I'm unhappy with the format of the work and a recent project has really put me off (I like the guys I work in the ltd company, and the product, but I don't like the project, format, contracting itself), and it's making me quite unhappy, and has actually started effecting my health (stress/panic and still in my early 20's!).

The reasons for leaving have out-wieghed the reasons for staying (only the fact I like my direct employers and I like the products). As it will look like the project will continue for sometime, where do I stand in leaving "half-way through" (the project contract has a 2-week notice period). I have P.I insurance and so does the company for the project, but are there any other legal complications that people have experienced?

Thanks,

TauntaunHerder

Are you sure you are a cut out for contracting? The fact that you like the guys you work it is a big plus! You will not always like the project, or the technology, but that is why contracting exists in the first place. If it is affecting your health at 20, then seriously, you need to get out of contracting and get a perm job where you like the project and the people you work with. Life is too short to spend it stressing out or worrying, and not everyone is cut out for contracting. Maybe you could try it in 5-6 years time, you're still young!

[sunflower]

Hi

If the stability of a permanent job makes you feel better, you are doing the right thing by looking around for a new opportunity. However, in this day and age, permanent jobs are not always secure.

I know what you mean about feeling guilty when you get on with your colleagues and client manager at the project. I've stuck projects I did not like so much out of a sense of duty and not wanting to leave the client in a tricky position. That's easier when you know the end date is in sight. A project can be horrible one week, but wait another couple and you can get something really cool to do.

If you chat with your client manager, you can explain that your personal circumstances and wanting to have a family led you to seek a permanent role. People will understand your motivation.

You can always offer them the possibility to email or call you if they have questions about the work you were doing once you have left.

Another way to test the water with working for yourself, perm contract terms permitting, is to offer some services part-time. For example, if you were skilled in websites, you could offer a development service for local companies, create mobile apps if that grabs you or assist with technical writing. It will give you something to do when you are at home in future watching the baby. Perhaps you could give evening classes in IT at a local college? Who knows, maybe your business sideline might take off, but if it did not, you still have your permanent job.

Good luck