Reply to: What would you do?

[jmo21]

This is a side point, but I've read quite a few comments on here over the last few days by a few who make out there are proper contractors, and fake contractors as two discrete groups seems really odd to me.

No matter how many times you say this, it isn't going to convince me that any contractor is a captain of industry.

We run very small, simple and cash rich businesses. Constantly making out like some contractors are business savy legends, and some are mikey mouse shams by applying a few tests is a little odd.

Anyone who thinks having "managing director" next to their name on companies house makes them anywhere near an MD of even a medium sized company is laughable.

just sayin'

I don't think anyway is saying anything of the sort.

But there are plenty of chancers putting everything through expenses, and asking daft questions when an uncommon (but entirely possible) situation occurs and they have no clue how to respond as they don't understand the contract they work under.

[Danglekt]

I like this sentiment so I'll say it again. Contracting isn't about being at the clients desk working. Any chump can do that. Contracting is about understanding about all the legislation around what we do,l such as IR35 (you did get your contract checked didn't you???), reading and understanding your contract and tour obligations. Also knowing about your finances and how to run a business properly. Getting lucky contract and falling into it does not make you a good contractor.

This is a side point, but I've read quite a few comments on here over the last few days by a few who make out there are proper contractors, and fake contractors as two discrete groups seems really odd to me.

No matter how many times you say this, it isn't going to convince me that any contractor is a captain of industry.

We run very small, simple and cash rich businesses. Constantly making out like some contractors are business savy legends, and some are mikey mouse shams by applying a few tests is a little odd.

Anyone who thinks having "managing director" next to their name on companies house makes them anywhere near an MD of even a medium sized company is laughable.

just sayin'

[northernladuk]

Phew I thought you'd been abducted by

I however do agree with your previous post.

As do I.

[The Spartan]

Spartie - you cut me deep matey!

Only because its first gig and its close to home. And OP says its decent enough.

Just to clarify that I'm still a bit of a mercenary bellend though. If it was me (with many years of gigs under my belt), started a crap gig miles away for pants money, or one that turned out to be not as advertised, and a cracking local one showed up with lots more wonga then I'd have NO ISSUES WHATSOEVER invoking a Notice Period.

Probably wouldnt do it if there was no notice period. I'd come on her and whinge about it instead.

Of course, I'd consider (but not care too much) the fact that both agent and client might be a bit upset but ultimately if the new gig was good enough it'd be worth it. They'd dry their tears after a bit and realize all I did was invoke a contract clause....

Phew I thought you'd been abducted by

I however do agree with your previous post.

[gables]

OP hasn't told us what the notice period is. This is important. If there is a notice period then you've committed to a contract period WITH a Notice Period. And client/agent has taken you on board with this in the contract.

No good whining when a legal clause is invoked. If agent/client wants no notice period then negotiate it in at the beginning but don't cry about it later.

My current gig has no notice period for me, fair enough thats what the client wants - and the rate is decent enough to allow me to say ok to that. But I've worked on gigs with crap rate with one week notice.

Client was fine about this - knew the rate was crap but knew that if he expected people to stay the term then he'd never get anyone at all (and they do struggle). So he was happy to sign people up on 3 monther with one week notice and hope they stayed for a bit.

I see where you're coming from, but invoking the notice period because a previously looked at contract rears its head isn't something I would do except in exceptional circumstances.

[psychocandy]

I'm not trying to be clever\smart\big etc but I really can't understand why the question needed to be asked.

Stay with the current contract not just because it's your first, but because you committed to it when you signed. This will happen again in the future, it's not unusual that after starting a contract one that you had looked previously may resurface, the answer is (as said before) to state your next availability and then focus on delivering.

OP hasn't told us what the notice period is. This is important. If there is a notice period then you've committed to a contract period WITH a Notice Period. And client/agent has taken you on board with this in the contract.

No good whining when a legal clause is invoked. If agent/client wants no notice period then negotiate it in at the beginning but don't cry about it later.

My current gig has no notice period for me, fair enough thats what the client wants - and the rate is decent enough to allow me to say ok to that. But I've worked on gigs with crap rate with one week notice.

Client was fine about this - knew the rate was crap but knew that if he expected people to stay the term then he'd never get anyone at all (and they do struggle). So he was happy to sign people up on 3 monther with one week notice and hope they stayed for a bit.

[psychocandy]

PC what happened to you?

Spartie - you cut me deep matey!

Only because its first gig and its close to home. And OP says its decent enough.

Just to clarify that I'm still a bit of a mercenary bellend though. If it was me (with many years of gigs under my belt), started a crap gig miles away for pants money, or one that turned out to be not as advertised, and a cracking local one showed up with lots more wonga then I'd have NO ISSUES WHATSOEVER invoking a Notice Period.

Probably wouldnt do it if there was no notice period. I'd come on her and whinge about it instead.

Of course, I'd consider (but not care too much) the fact that both agent and client might be a bit upset but ultimately if the new gig was good enough it'd be worth it. They'd dry their tears after a bit and realize all I did was invoke a contract clause....

[gables]

I'm not trying to be clever\smart\big etc but I really can't understand why the question needed to be asked.

Stay with the current contract not just because it's your first, but because you committed to it when you signed. This will happen again in the future, it's not unusual that after starting a contract one that you had looked previously may resurface, the answer is (as said before) to state your next availability and then focus on delivering.

[The Spartan]

Hmm. Normally Im the first one to say look after number 1.

But first contract, two weeks in, close to home...

Unless the current gig is total crap, and the new one is 100x times better then I'd stay put. Never know, new place might still want you in 2.5 months time. All bets are off when current 3 monther you signed up for ends BTW - even if they want you to extend.... Do what you want to do then.

BTW - you never mentioned notice period? If there is none, then even worse idea bailing and putting your head down.

PC what happened to you?

[psychocandy]

Hmm. Normally Im the first one to say look after number 1.

But first contract, two weeks in, close to home...

Unless the current gig is total crap, and the new one is 100x times better then I'd stay put. Never know, new place might still want you in 2.5 months time. All bets are off when current 3 monther you signed up for ends BTW - even if they want you to extend.... Do what you want to do then.

BTW - you never mentioned notice period? If there is none, then even worse idea bailing and putting your head down.

[PurpleGorilla]

Tell the other company you are available from September?

[northernladuk]

I like this sentiment so I'll say it again. Contracting isn't about being at the clients desk working. Any chump can do that. Contracting is about understanding about all the legislation around what we do,l such as IR35 (you did get your contract checked didn't you???), reading and understanding your contract and tour obligations. Also knowing about your finances and how to run a business properly. Getting lucky contract and falling into it does not make you a good contractor.

[Elliegirl]

This is new to me so not as though I have been contracting for years but I have 10 years IT experience (techy).

Oh bless! You have no idea how much you have to learn about the world of contracting. The only thing you have to offer from your ten years experience is your skill set.
It's a small world, relatively speaking, and your reputation is key. It's very tempting to dash for the cash (I speak from personal experience!) but you also have to look at the bigger picture. You will probably be quite reliant on agencies for your early roles so think carefully; you want to be remembered for your reliability, not for doing a runner two week's into a new role. A lot of the people on here get their work from work of mouth/recommendations, etc. In my field I rely very much on agencies, and will also recommend colleagues to fill roles if I'm not available (back scratching, you know the sort of thing). So welcome to the lovely world of contracting and I hope you do the right thing!!

[ac2326]

The difficult one's getting the second contract after you finish your first.

..Yeah not looking forward to that, keeping my fingers crossed I am not replaced soon so I am extended up until XMAS

[Antman]

The difficult one's getting the second contract after you finish your first.