Screwed over by new contract

[speling bee]

And I thought I was the grumpy kill joy round here!!

killjoy

[7specialgems]

As others of said, part of the game.

MOO means if you aren't needed, you get given notice.

Incompetence clauses are often present and abused in order to get you out the door sooner when you're not needed.

Heavily shortened notice periods in the first x weeks of your contract are a staple as well, as are clauses allowing for movement of D-Day.

All in all, you will, several times, leave a good thing for a better thing, only for the better thing to be pulled right up to the day before, deferred, cancelled and you might be lucky to bill a day if anything before finding yourself on the bench.

In my experience so far, always try to favour an extension unless the reward warrants the risk!

[eek]

Always go for extensions. I like about 1 year in a place its enough to show that you are competent and liked but not long enough to get really bored.

And as for why I contract, its the easiest way to earn money.

[Untouchable1]

Couple of things here that might help in future.

• You are not applying for a job, you are selling work. Be a sales beast.
• At the start of all conversations with recruiters and client position yourself as 'about to be off the market at any time'. Make it clear that you have another role that's looking 'very likely' that starts imminently (and on a higher rate) - but because you like the sound of this role it's the one you would prefer (but they need to sign you now).
• Just because you are a contractor doesn't mean you are a just a resource/commodity - position yourself as such.
• Don't treat recruiters with contempt (many do) but build relationships with them.
• Grow a big pair of balls and don't be afraid to play hard ball when required

It's all a game - enjoy!

Untouchable1

[northernladuk]

Couple of things here that might help in future.

• You are not applying for a job, you are selling work. Be a sales beast.
• At the start of all conversations with recruiters and client position yourself as 'about to be off the market at any time'. Make it clear that you have another role that's looking 'very likely' that starts imminently (and on a higher rate) - but because you like the sound of this role it's the one you would prefer (but they need to sign you now).
• Just because you are a contractor doesn't mean you are a just a resource/commodity - position yourself as such.
• Don't treat recruiters with contempt (many do) but build relationships with them.
• Grow a big pair of balls and don't be afraid to play hard ball when required

It's all a game - enjoy!

Untouchable1

Nice comments. Me likely.

[GillsMan]

Couple of things here that might help in future.

• You are not applying for a job, you are selling work. Be a sales beast.
• At the start of all conversations with recruiters and client position yourself as 'about to be off the market at any time'. Make it clear that you have another role that's looking 'very likely' that starts imminently (and on a higher rate) - but because you like the sound of this role it's the one you would prefer (but they need to sign you now).
• Just because you are a contractor doesn't mean you are a just a resource/commodity - position yourself as such.
• Don't treat recruiters with contempt (many do) but build relationships with them.
• Grow a big pair of balls and don't be afraid to play hard ball when required

It's all a game - enjoy!

Untouchable1

100% agree with this. This post should be made into a sticky, or PM'd to Psychocandy or something.

[speling bee]

100% agree with this. This post should be made into a sticky, or PM'd to Psychocandy or something.

Add a line about signing on and he'll sit up and take note.