I can't do what they hired me to do

[TheImpasse]

I'm a new IT contractor into my 2nd day contracting at a new firm. I had my interview and my CV clearly lists my skillset which I went through with the chaps in the interview.

However upon arrival they've set me a task to design an infrastructure with software I've never used, have it communicate with more software I've never used - and the Lead guy who normally runs things has left for a month to get married so there's no information anywhere. I have no problem with learning new things but they expect deadlines akin to those of someone with years experience and I have to chair a meeting soon about the technology I've only just picked up.

I went home last night and learnt as much as I could to give myself a fighting chance but I feel these people's expectations are above what I can provide - unfortunately my boss is technical and scrutinising everything so I can't even wing it with a bad job. I feel out of my depth and would like to leave and start another contract with someone else. What options do I have, if any, so that I don't get sued for breach of contract? Should I wait to just have my contract terminated?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[MyUserName]

My first piece of advice would be to create a more plausible sockie account.

However, if by some bizarre fluke this is a real situation then you are toast. Somehow you have given the impression that you can do this and will be expected to, whether this was your mistake or the interviewers is irrelevant.

If your manager knows enough to see through a smoke screen you will probably be out before the end of the week. They are unlikely to sue you - just can you and get someone else in.

[northernladuk]

If you are up front with them then it is highly likely they will help you. They want your expertise not knowledge of every tool used to use your knowledge although it is a bit odd this wouldn't have been mentioned.

If you try wing it and they find out you will be labelled incompetant and likely get walked. Treat them like professionals and they may do the same back to you.

All that said it does sound a bit too ludicrous to be true.

[BlasterBates]

No problem.....deep breath.

Here is a quick lesson on the art of BS consultancy.

All they want from you is a document, because this is architecture.

So first of all you need the requirements. Once you know what this "thing" is supposed to do, then you can rummage around into the documentation to find out what this "thing" does, and usually there are simple examples, so use those.

So write a document listing requirements. Then the next chapter is "The Thing", as you're writing a chapter on "The Thing" you'll find out what it does.

Then write a chapter describing how "Thing" can satisfy the requirements.

Now you need a chapter about to check the feasibility of the "Thing" with a few tests or proposals for tests to check performance etc.

Finally you need a plan, of what needs to be done and how long it's going to take.

[suityou01]

Listen. Do the following.

Call a requirements gathering workshop.
Escalate to the PM that the requirements are unclear and you need to run more workshops.
Rinse and repeat while invoicing.

HTH

[Kanye]

Winging it is part and parcel of being a contractor or consultant.

Just say that you haven't had experience in this particular tool but you have experience in related area X, Y, Z and get on with it.

[tarbera]

just welford it

I'm a new IT contractor into my 2nd day contracting at a new firm. I had my interview and my CV clearly lists my skillset which I went through with the chaps in the interview.

However upon arrival they've set me a task to design an infrastructure with software I've never used, have it communicate with more software I've never used - and the Lead guy who normally runs things has left for a month to get married so there's no information anywhere. I have no problem with learning new things but they expect deadlines akin to those of someone with years experience and I have to chair a meeting soon about the technology I've only just picked up.

I went home last night and learnt as much as I could to give myself a fighting chance but I feel these people's expectations are above what I can provide - unfortunately my boss is technical and scrutinising everything so I can't even wing it with a bad job. I feel out of my depth and would like to leave and start another contract with someone else. What options do I have, if any, so that I don't get sued for breach of contract? Should I wait to just have my contract terminated?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

If you can't welford it, just go into bosses office shut the door, strip naked bend over the desk and say.

Would you rather we explain why you hired someone who can't do the job to your boss or why im naked in your office.?

or shall i go back to my desk and surf the internet for the rest of my contract and we both say nothing

[rurffy]

If you can't welford it, just go into bosses office shut the door, strip naked bend over the desk and say.

Would you rather we explain why you hired someone who can't do the job to your boss or why im naked in your office.?

or shall i go back to my desk and surf the internet for the rest of my contract and we both say nothing

They would probably ring the emergency psychiatric services

[rurffy]

My advice to you is - Everything you need is on the internet. - you have forums you could post questions online. What you about to do -- someone else have probably done it.

All you need is about 4 hours on the internet for 4 days and you would catch up real quick.

Talk less if you dont understand and ask tactical questions . -

[v6g]

I had a job like that once.

I'm now a respected expert in the particular technology in question.