What do you do....

[Pogle]

when you're working with other contractors and it becomes obvious that they are not as experienced as you are and ask you for lots of help and guidance?

I like to think I'm a decent person and I answer all questions and even explain the same thing several times until they understand it. BUT at the back of my mind I'm thinking, Its only a short contract and if Clientco want to extend anyone’s contract I'd like it to be me and am I giving them an advantage by helping them, so they don’t have to ask any of the permies.

To be honest I feel really bad that I'm starting to resent their questions!
Its been a long day - maybe I'm just tired

[d000hg]

Isn't helping them the best way to get a more visible reputation as someone who knows their stuff and can add value to the company?

Try to bring it up in passing during meetings with the important people...

[DimPrawn]

Sorry, can you explain that to me again?

[Board Game Geek]

You must have been in their shoes once, and no doubt asked just as many questions surely ?

I'd be flattered that they seek your advice, and by helping them, you foster goodwill and cooperation.

Who knows, perhaps they'll be in a position to help you at some point, not necessarily at this company, but another further along the way.

I sleep better at nights knowing that I've helped others along the way, rather than hindered them.

[MrMark]

Karma, innit?

Must be a reason why I'm on the bench...

[Bagpuss]

Pogle, I don't think it hurts to be helpful (and I'm not a Christian). Maybe I'm too soft, until recently it wouldn't have occurred to me that helping someone could be detrimental to my own work situation. But, If you are doing his/her work because they aren't really up to the job maybe it's time to push back. I wouldn't mention it to the manager however, that's not my place.

[Pogle]

Thanks folks for putting it into perspective
- I was just really suprised at some of the basic stuff I was being asked about, but I shall continue to be my usual helpful self

[expat]

I usually help as much as I can. I believe that even after I've taught them all that they know, I still won't have taught them all that I know. Admittedly, as years go by I'm less and less confident that the boss will always recognise that.

What does get my goat is contractors who got in to a job that they just can't do, and then depend on others to do it for them. I have never done that, and I resent doing it for others. That's not what contracting is supposed to be.

[thelace]

Let the "team" know your hourly rate and invoice them at the end of the month!

[suityou01]

Thanks folks for putting it into perspective
- I was just really suprised at some of the basic stuff I was being asked about, but I shall continue to be my usual helpful self

Watch your back Pogle. These noobies will feel threatened by you. They will be nice to you while they need something from you. As soon as they get an opportunity to knife you in the back they will.

I have worked on many gigs with people that are under skilled/talented and it never ends well. As a rule I only respond to questions and never volunteer stuff. I explain something once, maybe even twice and that's it. I give opinions and then sit back.

I have been very badly knifed in the back in the past, and its always the nice smily nodding ones that do it.

You are a day rate, nothing more. Protect yourself first.