Contract extension

[psychocandy]

Thanks for the replies. For clarification, my current role is supporting one type of system and technology, whereas another part of the team work on a different system and technology. I am skilled in both areas, and would prefer to work in the other area. The original contract was reviewed for IR35 by QDOS.

I really don't think I'm acting as a permie, I'm just offering my services to the client, and explaining the types of work I'd be willing to do. The 'extension' will be in a totally different area and the client appears to be happy with this, at least verbally.

I sort of understand but at the end of the day, the client is the own who is buying the services in effect. If they want (a) then they're not going to care if you'd rather do (b). AT ALL. NOT ONE BIT. Why should they care about how you feel about your career?

Good news that they've agreed - you might be OK. But if they get a rethink or someone leaves I bet you'll be back and they won't care if it suits them.

But as I said before, dont piss them off too much or they'll just get someone else in who doesn't give them grief.

[billybiro]

...you should be keeping an eye on the "direction and control" you get from the client and try to minimise this..
...work more autonomously rather than "as directed"...

...I think the client is looking to maintain flexibility here...
... if I were the client I'd be doing the same thing because having someone is doing a "work to rule" is a right pain in the arse...

I agree with both of these sets of statements, however given that many clients do indeed see contractors as "temporary employees" and therefore expect the same flexibility from them as they get from their regular permie staff (and can get quite pissy if you point out that this is not the case), how do you reconcile these contradictory demands?

[knightfork77]

And just to clarify a bit more, they offered me an extension in the original area initially. I turned this down, but mentioned if they needed anyone in the other area, I'd be interested. I'm not concerned about them getting someone to replace me, they've actually said they're looking to recruit someone permanent in the other area, and I'm more than happy to hand over to them when that happens. I've told them I'll be flexible and happy to help out in the original area when needed. I've been told I'll get the written confirmation shortly so hopefully all ends well.

[Wanderer]

how do you reconcile these contradictory demands?

Yeah, it's not easy - that's the tightrope we have to walk. Just do your best.

It may be worth keeping notes of times when you worked without being under the client's Direction and Control and quietly forget about the other times when the client said "jump" and you said "how high".

[kingcook]

Yeah, it's not easy - that's the tightrope we have to walk. Just do your best.

It may be worth keeping notes of times when you worked without being under the client's Direction and Control and quietly forget about the other times when the client said "jump" and you said "how high".

Don't forget to keep quiet too when you're in a court under oath. Also tell client that they must keep quiet about these things too

[cojak]

My part of the project is coming to an end, and so will my contract. I do not intend accepting an extension.

You really do need to decide how you want to work as a contractor. If you are happy doing what the client wants (being a 'bum on seat' contractor) while they can afford you then stay, I'm sure that you can arrange your contract with QDOS.

If you view yourself as a project contractor, then you have to take the lead and not accept extension simply because they are there and you are frightened of getting another contract.

BAU specialists are different - Incident Managers and the like may be there for a good few years but stay within their specialism - it's the Client's fault that they can't be arsed to develop their permies to take over from the contractor.

You seem to be in a position that your specialism is being ignored and you are now viewed as a permie - it's time to leave the client, because operational day-to-day activities WILL take precedence over a bit of paper locked in someone's drawer.

And I can promise you that the time will come when you will either have to do what the manager wants you to do, hand in your notice or get terminated from the contract.

[cojak]

But that's just the way the contractor cookie crumbles...