Extended again...stick or twist?

[SteelyDan]

An increase of 30% implies that you were either on a very low rate to begin with or you have a lot of leverage with the client (or a combination). If more towards the latter, I wouldn't take the p*ss, but I'd also ask for a reasonable increase, as you haven't had one for a while. If you're valued, the likely worst case scenario is they say no, and you then decide whether to push it.

Yeah, more this tbh: As mentioned in earlier post, they don't have resource with my skills; work is piling up, much to do etc.

[SteelyDan]

You've mentioned all the tangibles but not mentioned if you actually enjoy the work, it's challenging and it's not ruining your CV for future roles. If these three boxes are ticked then it's definitely a stick for me. I personally wouldn't ask for a rate increase at this point after having one last year. The likelihood of getting one seems a little slim so I would bank it this time and try not to look like a greedy contractor asking for a rate rise too often. I would however be back on the case come the next renewal. I think it's borderline though, I don't think it will do any harm but I'd try and play the client rather than just coming cap in hand too often. Personal choice this one IMO.

Yeah, as ever (you & others) good points (appreciated) and the reason for the post really...bouncing thoughts/ideas.

Yes, I do enjoy the work/the role & the situation generally especially given the autonomy I have; I feel quite fortunate in many respects. I work across multiple projects/teams/parts of the business, so there's variation in what I'm doing, which keeps it kinda interesting.

Is it ruining my chances for further roles? Hmm, not sure, but feel at times I'd like a new environment to keep things fresh, but as someone has already pointed out, it could be a complete 5hit-hole with a micro-manager...that wouldn't end well

Plus, I know that the longer I'm there, the greater value I'm adding...otherwise why would they need me? There's no-one else with the skillset, hence me being continually extended, & beyond 2 year point, & the thinking about pushing a bit more on rates.

It's a weird one & a bit of a dichotomy; I much prefer short sharp assignments to be honest; get in, fix it, move on. Problem is, you never know where the next gig will be, and you end up back in the melting pot at the mercy of recruiters.

With this assignment, yes there are several projects where I get in, fix it, move onto the next, but can't help feeling I'm getting 'sucked into the machine'...and, dare I say it...beginning to actually care about things at a business level.

I think for now, I'll just crack on, bank it, and cross this bridge further down the line. Cheers.

[northernladuk]

You've mentioned all the tangibles but not mentioned if you actually enjoy the work, it's challenging and it's not ruining your CV for future roles. If these three boxes are ticked then it's definitely a stick for me. I personally wouldn't ask for a rate increase at this point after having one last year. The likelihood of getting one seems a little slim so I would bank it this time and try not to look like a greedy contractor asking for a rate rise too often. I would however be back on the case come the next renewal. I think it's borderline though, I don't think it will do any harm but I'd try and play the client rather than just coming cap in hand too often. Personal choice this one IMO.

[TheFaQQer]

If it looks likely that there might be additional budget, then ask for an increase and see where it takes you.

I've been here (WFH 100%) coming up to two years and haven't asked for an increase because I know what the approval limits are, and if I push it, there could be very awkward questions about justifying my role at all. The project will run until next May (at least, I hope) so I don't want to kill the goose and end up with nothing.

If you are happy with the rate, and the rate isn't too far off what you could get anywhere else, I'd stick. If you're a way off what you could get anywhere else (factoring in the additional costs and opportunity cost if you had to work away), then leave.

[smatty]

I'd extend with those conditions. Probably wouldn't bother with rate increase negotiation unless things have changed somehow since the original negotiations.

[quackhandle]

It's what we all strive for, that (almost) perfect gig.

Your next one could be the Gig From Hell. Extend and invoice.

qh

[Bacchus]

Bear in mind also that any small rate increase is instantly wiped out by a couple of weeks on the bench.

As others have said, it also depends on the market rate for your skillset.

If I'd had a large rate increase at y1 and was happy with everything else, I probably wouldn't push for a y2 increase just "because". You'll be having an appraisal next to justify it...

You would have more leverage if you turn round and say it's "nearly two years" since we adjusted our rates in another six months, and I suspect that interest rates should be on the move by then so you may be more in need of a rate increase (or a better paying gig) by then.

[jamesbrown]

An increase of 30% implies that you were either on a very low rate to begin with or you have a lot of leverage with the client (or a combination). If more towards the latter, I wouldn't take the p*ss, but I'd also ask for a reasonable increase, as you haven't had one for a while. If you're valued, the likely worst case scenario is they say no, and you then decide whether to push it.

[Alias]

Travel costs negligible, but this isn't the issue/rationale for the thoughts around rate increase. Just wondering if it's worth pushing the rate boundaries...or have I simply moved into the greedy green-eyed monster zone?

I dont think its that at all, your skills and value to the client increase over time and thus reflected in a rate increase...you dont ask you dont get, they can only say no but will think of your value to them...

[TheDandy]

Travel costs negligible, but this isn't the issue/rationale for the thoughts around rate increase. Just wondering if it's worth pushing the rate boundaries...or have I simply moved into the greedy green-eyed monster zone?

How does it compare to market norm for your skill-set. Only you will know how receptive your client is likely to be. Really a question of how you pose the quid pro quo - what's in it for them?

[SteelyDan]

Sounds like a great gig. Don't fix what isn't broken.....Rate is good, work from home regularly.....all for a little travel cost is it worth upsetting the apple cart. How much travel cost is it?

Travel costs negligible, but this isn't the issue/rationale for the thoughts around rate increase. Just wondering if it's worth pushing the rate boundaries...or have I simply moved into the greedy green-eyed monster zone?

[TheDandy]

Well, current gig has just passed 2 yr point & yes, as soon as I knew it would go over 2 yrs, I double checked with my accountant, & stopped mileage, wef that date.

It's local to me, maybe 30 mins commute, major blue-chip. I work from home as and when I see fit, I have no day-to-day line management, there's no D&C, & I have a full stack of work which would easily take me into next year. So all in all, from many angles, it suits me very well, & to be honest not really out of pocket by forfeiting mileage.

After year 1, I asked for (& got) an increase (c.30%), so my rate's a good one.

Question is; should I push for another increase now I'm at the 2 yr point?

Back of my mind I'm thinking 'don't kill the golden goose', but other part of me thinks 'why not give it ago at next extension?'

Risks are; falling out of favour with the client, being put in a situation (if I don't get the increase) of carrying on with current rate, or walking.

What would you do? Stick, or twist?

Sounds like a great gig. Don't fix what isn't broken.....Rate is good, work from home regularly.....all for a little travel cost is it worth upsetting the apple cart. How much travel cost is it?

[SteelyDan]

Well, current gig has just passed 2 yr point & yes, as soon as I knew it would go over 2 yrs, I double checked with my accountant, & stopped mileage, wef that date.

It's local to me, maybe 30 mins commute, major blue-chip. I work from home as and when I see fit, I have no day-to-day line management, there's no D&C, & I have a full stack of work which would easily take me into next year. So all in all, from many angles, it suits me very well, & to be honest not really out of pocket by forfeiting mileage.

After year 1, I asked for (& got) an increase (c.30%), so my rate's a good one.

Question is; should I push for another increase now I'm at the 2 yr point?

Back of my mind I'm thinking 'don't kill the golden goose', but other part of me thinks 'why not give it ago at next extension?'

Risks are; falling out of favour with the client, being put in a situation (if I don't get the increase) of carrying on with current rate, or walking.

What would you do? Stick, or twist?