Three month advanced warning.

[seanraaron]

If no one was talking to me about renewals a month from the end of a contract I'd be phoning the agency to raise the question and updating/reactivating my CV.

[SlipTheJab]

It's not harsh at all. You knew exactly what date the gig was going to end the as soon as you signed the contract. Anything else is a bonus. If Bolshie was around he'd point out this is what happens when you've been at a client for a long period. You start expecting renewals (which could be a MoO issue no?) and blaming the client when you don't get one.

Start making noises a week or two before the end about handover, cancel meetings past your leaving date and start handing over. The client will either let you carry on or stop you. There is your answer.

Indeed, no news = no renewal, suck it up and start lookin rather than waiting until the 11th hour hoping for an extension

[TheFaQQer]

If no one was talking to me about renewals a month from the end of a contract I'd be phoning the agency to raise the question and updating/reactivating my CV.

A month from renewal is where you ask the client "who do you want me to hand over to?"

Focusses the mind beautifully.

[LondonManc]

2012 and 2014 versions are slightly different - there was more optimism in 2012.

You missed the "Everyone is watching the Olympics" and "Jubilee celebrations" excuses from the 2012 version.

[The Spartan]

Like a previous poster said it's good that the client has given you such advanced warning, I've managed to find contracts in December and January before now no matter how much I tried to avoid that time of the year. Generally the market is really quiet at these times traditionally but I've not found it to be the case.

April generally has a lot of new contracts come on to the market as budgets have been agreed.

[d000hg]

Sounds a great opportunity to book a holiday

[MrMarkyMark]

The best thing was when I was only being extended, for a month at a time on the last day of the contract.
I found a 12 month contract, at a higher rate, then told them to stick it.

Which was nice.

[northernladuk]

Gotta remember also there are plenty of contractors around that believe 'there won't be a renewal' means 'get another gig asap and leave your client in the lurch'. Keep them hanging on and they might actually see the gig through.

[MrMarkyMark]

Gotta remember also there are plenty of contractors around that believe 'there won't be a renewal' means 'get another gig asap and leave your client in the lurch'. Keep them hanging on and they might actually see the gig through.

Mine told me 7 months, ago, bu,t that is completely unusual, in my experience.

[ChimpMaster]

Mine told me 7 months, ago, bu,t that is completely unusual, in my experience.

When I started my current contract, the IT director told me it definitely would not last longer than 6 years (really).

I am doing my best to prove him wrong. Having said that, I have outlasted him at this client.