Thoughts on 'not cost effective to have you in next week'

[cojak]

Email them saying you will be back in 3 weeks. Go on holiday.

Oh - I like it! (I'd only go on 2, but that's just preference...)

[EternalOptimist]

This is just as bad as the other thread where the contractor wanted to terminate early to go for a juicier contract. Except this time its the client doing the jerking

Some guys rent a pad for the duration of a contract, I have done long term block-hotel bookings in the past, plus you might have had a holiday organised for the official end of the contract.

Imo they have busted the deal, start looking asap but dont bother telling them you would have appreciated more warning, where is that going to get you ?
Switch into 'fck em and screw em mode' until you can bail

[psychocandy]

Some guys rent a pad for the duration of a contract, I have done long term block-hotel bookings in the past, plus you might have had a holiday organised for the official end of the contract.

Have had this. Rented a flat for a week cos client wanted me to work night shifts (better to sleep during day than hotel). Sorted out with owner to check in 9am after first night shift, leave before start of last night shift etc.

Day before - "we've decided we don't need nights now". Client couldnt see what they'd done wrong. Their attitude, tough we pay you enough to tell you what we need from you. You just turn up.

Worse still was the guy who showed up for nights at 8 pm and they'd left a mesage with security to tell him thanks but please go home. **** that.

[d000hg]

You can push for some work to do I guess. Otherwise spend a week learning something new or go on an impromptu last-minute holiday deal?

It is totally normal, if uncommon, for a client to do this provided your contract allows it. Most clients don't seem to be aware they can do this so in a way it says they better understand contractors than is typical!