Shorter extension offered

[psychocandy]

Talking after an initial, say 3 months, client then comes back with 2 months or even 1 month.

Usually starts alarm bells ringing for me because it means client is doing their best for you not to be there if they can help it and trying to keep costs as low as possible.

I've had clients, in the past, who just seem to automatically knock out extensions no problems but then ones like these you know its going to be hassle. In the past, I had one where it lasted over two years but it was always 3 months this time, 1 month next time, then back to 3 etc and associated bleating about budgets etc.

So when this starts I usually try to look at alternative if possible. Another thing is I will insist on a lesser notice period which sometimes does not go down well.

My argument is that, ok fair enough client, you won't commit to a normal extension period for your own business reasons but I need flexibility for my own business if thats the case. (Please no arguments about giving notice).

For instance, 1 month notice on 2 month contract is pretty pointless. With above mentioned client even had a one monter with one month notice lol.

Of course, agent does his usual thing. Steaming in with the old - ok heres the contract sorted can you sign? I guess they want you signed up asap even if it is short duration before you have chance to consider anything better.

Any views on this?

[speling bee]

Talking after an initial, say 3 months, client then comes back with 2 months or even 1 month.

Usually starts alarm bells ringing for me because it means client is doing their best for you not to be there if they can help it and trying to keep costs as low as possible.

I've had clients, in the past, who just seem to automatically knock out extensions no problems but then ones like these you know its going to be hassle. In the past, I had one where it lasted over two years but it was always 3 months this time, 1 month next time, then back to 3 etc and associated bleating about budgets etc.

So when this starts I usually try to look at alternative if possible. Another thing is I will insist on a lesser notice period which sometimes does not go down well.

My argument is that, ok fair enough client, you won't commit to a normal extension period for your own business reasons but I need flexibility for my own business if thats the case. (Please no arguments about giving notice).

For instance, 1 month notice on 2 month contract is pretty pointless. With above mentioned client even had a one monter with one month notice lol.

Of course, agent does his usual thing. Steaming in with the old - ok heres the contract sorted can you sign? I guess they want you signed up asap even if it is short duration before you have chance to consider anything better.

Still, mustn't grumble, eh?

[MyUserName]

Happened to me too. A new permie joined the team and I had my 3 month extension confirmed ... when the contract came it was for 1 month.

[DaveB]

Any views on this?

tulip happens.

[jmo21]

I get what you're saying, you're both businesses, but in our cases, these are our customers.

So it IS different.

Of course, if you aren't happy with the extension, or want to reduce notice or whatever, wire in, but just remember it is a supplier-customer relationship.

The approach I take is that I want to leave my customers happy, so if their budget only stretches to an extra month, that's fine. I am expensive and easy to get rid of for their convenience.

My last contract, the boss in charge of the budget was really apologetic on a couple of extensions of only a month, but I just told him "don't worry about it, I'll be here til you don't need me any more"

[TheFaQQer]

One month extension => one week notice period

In the past, I've also said that I was only interested in a one month extension if it came with an increase, as I'd potentially be missing out on other more lucrative roles.

[psychocandy]

One month extension => one week notice period

In the past, I've also said that I was only interested in a one month extension if it came with an increase, as I'd potentially be missing out on other more lucrative roles.

EXACTLY my point. Accepting bits and pieces extensions without a get out rules you out from other stuff.

In this instance, I will insist on this.

[psychocandy]

I get what you're saying, you're both businesses, but in our cases, these are our customers.

So it IS different.

Of course, if you aren't happy with the extension, or want to reduce notice or whatever, wire in, but just remember it is a supplier-customer relationship.

The approach I take is that I want to leave my customers happy, so if their budget only stretches to an extra month, that's fine. I am expensive and easy to get rid of for their convenience.

My last contract, the boss in charge of the budget was really apologetic on a couple of extensions of only a month, but I just told him "don't worry about it, I'll be here til you don't need me any more"

Yes I see your point. But sometimes I think we've got to be careful to look after yourself as well.

IMHO, too many clients get away with murder at times. Yes, we are a flexible resource but theres a limit. Too many contractors IMHO just bend over and take whatever the client gives - I've worked with a few like that. Work weekends for free, work without extensions agreed etc.

[northernladuk]

You need to get to the bottom of why the shorter times. Budgets are not the only reason, internal politics, changes to the project, possibility of permie resource freeing up etc. From that you can make a decision on how it will affect you. You also need to make a decision on how important the project you are working on is. If it's a top 10 project for your client you can bet your bottom dollar they will get future budget to get it finished so they may be messing with 1 monthers but you know it's still got legs.

Two examples..

I was working on putting a CRM for a clients business customers. Didn't get it finished in time, good 5 months work left yet and they went to rolling months. It was too important to not finish so I knew I was good for 5 months so accepted rolling months. As expected I stayed until it was complete.

A developer at current client go was doing so sharepoint customisation and we ran out of budget. Three months work needed. We managed to argue another month for the developer but it just wasn't important enough to keep throwing money at it so was pretty obvious there would be nothing after that month and he got canned after the 1 month.

Know what you are working on and see through the clients budget problems and make your own decision.

Sometimes clients don't just try and take the piss out of you. They do have genuine reasons for what they do that has **** all to do with pissing you about so you have to shake off the hate for the client and try and understand what's happening.

[The Spartan]

Yes I see your point. But sometimes I think we've got to be careful to look after yourself as well.

IMHO, too many clients get away with murder at times. Yes, we are a flexible resource but theres a limit. Too many contractors IMHO just bend over and take whatever the client gives - I've worked with a few like that. Work weekends for free, work without extensions agreed etc.

Tut, tut not a team player are you?