Right to cancel an extension

[Spikeh]

This isn't something I normally do, but things have changed in the past few weeks.

Been at current ClientCo for 3 months, they offered me an extension, and I tentatively accepted (after speaking to the powers that be in relation to amount of work coming up). In the meantime, I've had an agent headhunting me for another position. Typically, he comes back with feedback the day after I sign my renewal (which I put off for more than a week). Interview confirmed, but obviously nothing set in stone.

There are many, many issues with current ClientCo (total lack of buy in and ownership of the work I've produced by the business, major politics and bureaucracy [of the likes I've never seen before], hardly any collaboration with other developers, no requirements [in fact, no real understanding of the business model across the business at all], really crap agent, and the work is seriously dropping off - started to "find stuff to do" a week or so ago). There are also some pretty big positives for a contractor (rate is perfect, location is perfect, I work the hours I set myself, I control how I perform the work, I'm using bleeding edge tech, the work I /have/ done, and the work I'm promised are all very interesting etc), but I think I would be inclined to go if I was offered another contract elsewhere.

Initial contract is up on Friday - interview is today. It's unlikely I'll hear anything before Friday, though it's always possible. Assuming I get the role, and they don't tell me too close to Fri (I would like to give some notice at least), I'll see if they'll have me in a month and hand my notice in, but otherwise I'm tempted to jump ship when this initial contract ends, and rescind my extension acceptance.

The thing is, there's nothing in my contract about cancelling extensions, and I've never done it before (I've always either accepted or declined and stuck to my word). I know the agent will fill me with bullsh*t as they'll want to keep me, and I know the client won't be happy, but it's something I'm willing to deal with, as long as there are no legal complications.

Even though I have no work at the moment, ClientCo has been promising more since day one... they're waiting for a load of higher level decisions to be made before we can start to look at new stuff - it's dragged on for months as it stands, and I expect it to drag on longer... and one of my biggest pet hates is having no work to do.

Opinions re cancelling the extension with a week's notice?

[pmeswani]

This isn't something I normally do, but things have changed in the past few weeks.

Been at current ClientCo for 3 months, they offered me an extension, and I tentatively accepted (after speaking to the powers that be in relation to amount of work coming up). In the meantime, I've had an agent headhunting me for another position. Typically, he comes back with feedback the day after I sign my renewal (which I put off for more than a week). Interview confirmed, but obviously nothing set in stone.

There are many, many issues with current ClientCo (total lack of buy in and ownership of the work I've produced by the business, major politics and bureaucracy [of the likes I've never seen before], hardly any collaboration with other developers, no requirements [in fact, no real understanding of the business model across the business at all], really crap agent, and the work is seriously dropping off - started to "find stuff to do" a week or so ago). There are also some pretty big positives for a contractor (rate is perfect, location is perfect, I work the hours I set myself, I control how I perform the work, I'm using bleeding edge tech, the work I /have/ done, and the work I'm promised are all very interesting etc), but I think I would be inclined to go if I was offered another contract elsewhere.

Initial contract is up on Friday - interview is today. It's unlikely I'll hear anything before Friday, though it's always possible. Assuming I get the role, and they don't tell me too close to Fri (I would like to give some notice at least), I'll see if they'll have me in a month and hand my notice in, but otherwise I'm tempted to jump ship when this initial contract ends, and rescind my extension acceptance.

The thing is, there's nothing in my contract about cancelling extensions, and I've never done it before (I've always either accepted or declined and stuck to my word). I know the agent will fill me with bullsh*t as they'll want to keep me, and I know the client won't be happy, but it's something I'm willing to deal with, as long as there are no legal complications.

Even though I have no work at the moment, ClientCo has been promising more since day one... they're waiting for a load of higher level decisions to be made before we can start to look at new stuff - it's dragged on for months as it stands, and I expect it to drag on longer... and one of my biggest pet hates is having no work to do.

Opinions re cancelling the extension with a week's notice?

Right... Have you formally accepted the extension? If not, you have 2 options. Formally accept or formally reject. If you have formally accepted the extension, you can give your notice subject to the contract you have accepted. I know it looks easy, but I am sure it's more involved than that.

[Spikeh]

Yes, I have formally accepted, which is why I have a dilemma I'm not sure if I have the right to cancel it before the renewal date, as it doesn't actually start until the 22nd Dec. Surely I can legally cancel my extension if I haven't started it?

[BlasterBates]

In my view you give notice as per contract.

But the rate is good you´re doing bleeding edge, you´re in control of your work I really don´t see any reason to jump; in fact light of rate cuts else where it sounds like a good contract. You won´t know if the new client is any better until you get there.

I would say it´s better to see it through and if you´re still fed up get a new contract after the extension.

[psychocandy]

So extension hasn't started yet but you've signed the contract?

I think you're probably into having to give notice period here to be honest. Might get away with it though.

But then again, you could always give in notice, then just not turn for however many weeks and go off and do other contact. Not cool but I dont think they could do anything about it to be honest.

[Spikeh]

In my view you give notice as per contract.

But the rate is good you´re doing bleeding edge, you´re in control of your work I really don´t see any reason to jump; in fact light of rate cuts else where it sounds like a good contract. You won´t know if the new client is any better until you get there.

I would say it´s better to see it through and if you´re still fed up get a new contract after the extension.

Well, the new contract is a very different type of company - and the type that I love working for, though you're right... I won't know until I get there, even though I do usually get a good feel from an interview.

Also, the rate is better, but the extra £ will be absorbed by travelling and parking costs anyway, so it doesn't really come in to it. Not to mention this new contract is for 12 months, and is also bleeding edge (I'll find out more this afternoon), plus new tech I've not worked with before, and sounds pretty interesting work-wise.

I'm not one to jump ship, or let people down, but the lack of organisation and investment here is driving me (and all the other devs) up the wall.

[jmo21]

In my view you give notice as per contract.

But the rate is good you´re doing bleeding edge, you´re in control of your work I really don´t see any reason to jump; in fact light of rate cuts else where it sounds like a good contract. You won´t know if the new client is any better until you get there.

I would say it´s better to see it through and if you´re still fed up get a new contract after the extension.

Yep, I agree with this.

good rate, good location, new tech, you have control...... those are the 4 main sweet spots for me.

Business being useless? No reqs? Politics? pretty typical right?

Drive the project yourself. Try and figure out for them what needs done, and if you are worried about getting told off/punted for doing so, keep an email trail of the lack of response you get from people.

[Spikeh]

Yep, I agree with this.

good rate, good location, new tech, you have control...... those are the 4 main sweet spots for me.

Business being useless? No reqs? Politics? pretty typical right?

Drive the project yourself. Try and figure out for them what needs done, and if you are worried about getting told off/punted for doing so, keep an email trail of the lack of response you get from people.

I treat every client as a client, and drive as much as I can, though with a project this size, I need support from infrastructure, project management and business analysis - of which I have none whatsoever (no one can do everything themselves). I have raised the issues since day one, but there are numerous fundamental business issues here, that affect a whole lot more than just development. I'm developing really cool stuff, and I've delivered everything on time, but no one cares... if I dropped off the face of the planet, I'm not sure they'd know where to pick up from (even though I've written reams of documentation and distributed it). I've encountered plenty of business issues before, but this place... my lord.

[Sausage Surprise]

Wait till you get the contract in your hands for the new role then walk.

That is what you wanted to hear isn't it?

[pmeswani]

Yes, I have formally accepted, which is why I have a dilemma I'm not sure if I have the right to cancel it before the renewal date, as it doesn't actually start until the 22nd Dec. Surely I can legally cancel my extension if I haven't started it?

Do you have the right to refuse work in your contract? If so, I would invoke the clause in order to get out of it. You might get terminated straight away, or be required to serve your notice. Without knowing your notice period or contract, I don't know what options works best for you. But you can either serve your notice, refuse work, or do something unsavoury (as this is in a professional forum, I won't list them) that could cause your contract to be terminated immediately.