Improbable Highs When Contracting

**pjclarke** · 9 April 2014, 10:02

Was at a bank who shall remain nameless, but which recently had a spell of unfortunate media interest in the recreational drug habits of one of its senior execs, and also bungled a project whose name rhymes with 'merde'. Anyhow a new IT Director came in and decided to make his mark by insisting that all contract renewals had to be personally reviewed and approved by him.

And he could only perform this vital task on a Wednesday.

And the paperwork had to be with him by the previous Wednesday, latest.

I'd been there about 2 years, coming to the end and was verbally offered another 4 weeks, which I accepted. Had a week in Menorca booked at the end of the contract.

Anyone guess where this is going? Yep, the holiday was enhanced by the uncertainty of whether I had a contract to go back to ... Lazing by the pool with a cold one, waiting for the agent to ring. Heady stuff, and the only circumstance under which the mobile remains switched on during les vacances.

Friendly advice - I'd get that caveman out of you, soon as. People are staring.

**cojak** · 9 April 2014, 10:45

The main reason I miss igoogle is the countdown widget that ticked off the seconds...

**GreyWolf** · 9 April 2014, 10:49

I do like the feeling of walking away on the last day. For a few brief hours I can pretend I am a man of independent means. A bit Simon Templer or Brett Sinclair or any other character played by Roger Moore.

Except for Ivanhoe, obviously.

**MyUserName** · 9 April 2014, 10:51

Originally posted by I just need to test it View Post

Perhaps it stirs the caveman in me. Suddenly I'm faced with the prospect of leaving my comfort zone to forage; to compete with others who are also battling to provide for their tribe, with that heady mix of adrenalin plus the thrill of impending unplanned time off coursing through my veins.

?!??!?!?!?!

**speling bee** · 9 April 2014, 10:58

Best days are:

1st day of contract
Last day of contract
1st day on bench

**SpontaneousOrder** · 9 April 2014, 11:38

I can't wait for my current gig to end - another 4 weeks to go. Then in an ideal world I'll have a month off and be back to a better gig.

There's a beach with my name on it!

**jmo21** · 9 April 2014, 13:28

I finish up here on Friday after 2 years 4 months.

Massively looking forward to finishing, have enjoyed it though, it's been a good role, decent tech (inc skilling up on some new stuff) and very easy going environment.

Off on holiday on Tuesday for a week, then will lounge about doing a mix of relaxing, hanging out with the missus and kids, bit of studying on some things I want to learn, get out on my bike, some DIY and then see where the next adventure takes me.

**vwdan** · 9 April 2014, 14:50

My very first contract finishes on Friday - there was never going to be any extension because it was a proper A -> B project and I came in ahead of schedule. Personally, I'm doing my damnedest to try and keep things going. Secured a second interview on Friday though, and I've just had a positive chat about another possibility, so we'll see.

It's too early for me to bench, yet - warchest is "emergency ready", but it's not where it should be for a holiday!

**psychocandy** · 10 April 2014, 08:43

Best feeling is working for a client who you've reminded 50 times that the contract is coming to an end and they can't be arsed to sort an extension out and then getting another gig somewhere else starting the following monday.

And then telling the client thanks but you won't be renewing and then seeing the colour drain from their face when they realise you've got 3 days left in the office and they're screwed. And its their fault.

Not cool maybe but some clients deserve it. Never understood why some take so long to sort it out.

With me, offer me an extension 3 weeks to go and I'll probably take it, fanny about and I'll start looking elsewhere in case it doesnt come off.

Week to go - someone else offers me I'm off.

Improbable Highs When Contracting