Reply to: Ending contract with a client who is intimidating

[luimneach2005]

Thanks all - done the deed - sometimes you just need other people

[LisaContractorUmbrella]

In my experience a bully is best dealt with by confrontation in a calm and professional manner - most bullies are cowards who thrive on inspiring fear in others - if you show no fear and don't respond to any provocation from them they'll probably go away.

I would give this a go before handing in my notice simply because it's something that is reasonably common in the workplace and giving yourself the tools to deal with it successfully will serve you better in the future than giving up on the contract.

Good luck

[NotAllThere]

Death March projects can be great - if you're not officially part of it, but are called upon to resolve specific defined issues. Everyone else gets the stress and you get the kudos for fixing things.

[cojak]

Probably the same reason why people call Capita names ?!

I've had no problem working for Capita in the past.

(So, TF is right on this one.)

[FatLazyContractor]

Why? What intimidates one person, another thrives upon. Naming the client where you have fallen out doesn't help anyone.

Probably the same reason why people call Capita names ?!

[TheFaQQer]

Would be very helpful if you could name and shame.. ?...

Why? What intimidates one person, another thrives upon. Naming the client where you have fallen out doesn't help anyone.

[ProjectManager]

Buy this book: Death March Projects

Read it.

Take the monetary hit and hand in your notice.

(But you know this already, don't you?)

Good Luck.

A Survivor.

I second that, great book and good advice.

I had very very similar situation, I was a permie until last week, had enough, had the balls to leave without even an offer, mortgage, kids etc. just started new company, started applying for jobs and I am confident that after some time my persistence and smart & hard work will pay off

Life is too short and the end of the day if you do not move on at some point you will need to become one of them, a tosser, nah, not worth it.

Swallow the costs but not your pride, name and reputation, because these are the things that will land your next gig, IMHO.

[FatLazyContractor]

What others have said. Have "that" discussion with the client and agent.

Would be very helpful if you could name and shame.. ?...

[expat]

Buy this book: Death March Projects

Read it.

Take the monetary hit and hand in your notice.

(But you know this already, don't you?)

Good Luck.

A Survivor.

I second the reading recommendation. I read it a few years ago and resolved that I would never again work on one of those. It put in perspective just what contracting can deliver you free from.

[oscarose]

Give the notice and leave. Everything else is just words.

+1

Stay calm and get out of dodge.

[TheFaQQer]

4 weeks notice either side

Give the notice and leave. Everything else is just words.

[SarahL2012]

I can't go into details on a public forum but I had something similar-ish. I knew I wanted to terminate & got advice from a solicitor mate to terminate in writing with the reasons why. We didn't call it bullying, just stating that we didn't feel MyCo could perform to its best with unrealistic deadlines etc.

I worked the weeks notice and the individual the letter was sent to avoided even talking to me all week. They did pay my last invoice though so all good!

[BrilloPad]

mtfu

hth

bidi

[cojak]

Buy this book: Death March Projects

Read it.

Take the monetary hit and hand in your notice.

(But you know this already, don't you?)

Good Luck.

A Survivor.

[northernladuk]

We go contracting for the flexibility it offers so time to use it. The fact you are working outside your scope ie growing other people and you are probably under D&C is probably reason enough on it's own. Bang your notice in, see if they are open to a reduced notice period and leave. It's a no brainer really.