Reply to: Would you ever leave a contract early?

[psychocandy]

OP - can't see it but you have a notice period in your contract? Or are you talking about bailing without notice?

If there is a notice period in there then I don't see why professionalism is an issues. Its a contract clause. It can be invoked. If a client no way wants you to leave early then get this negotiated out.

BUT, NLUK does talk some sense. Despite this its not a perfect world and client may be a bit off about you leaving. Potentially you can never go back there.

Which is why hopping from one to another for £10/day is never good.

Bottom line for me is you've got some misguided idea in your head that you can't invoke a perfectly legal clause in your contract, then go for it and be a mug. (Not directed at you).

Important things for me are me and my family first and foremost.

Note, bailing without notice is different though and not clever.....

[Danglekt]

Can you double run them?

[fool]

Hi All,
Question for the 'I wouldn't terminate early brigade' here really. I'm working at ClientCo A (I've worked here once before for a couple of years). I've been here 3 months, and have another 3 months left.

ClientCo B (where I've worked 3 times previously, for a total of about 3 years), have called me up via a agent and asked me to go back. They would give me a 10% raise, 95% wfh (not possible at all at ClientCo A), and the job sounds more interesting, and is more senior.

I told ClientCo B, "Thanks, but I don't leave contracts early. I'm sure they wouldn't want me to do that to them, and if the position is still available at the end of my current engagement I would be more than willing to discuss again."

They came back and threw more money at me to come back. I've politely declined again.

My question is, are there any circumstances in which you'd leave a contract early? Double the money? Changing working conditions?

The more I think about it, the more I think that to do it could be a short time gain, long term loss....

There's a lot of reasons to terminate early, particularly if the client breaks any of your agreements, doesn't pay on time, or is abusive ( clients who think they can yell at me can bugger right off ).

What you're really asking if whether we'd jump ship for a better off. I'll go against the grain and say yes, I would, but I'd have to be jumping to a stable perch with about a 40%* pay increase.

A lot of people will judge me for making it about money, but for me, early on projects are interesting. After you've solved the problems, it's all just implementation, which is fine, but somewhat tedious grunt work.

I could be one of those contactors who jump from place to place doing the "interesting work" but you're just leaving clients a mess then. Make it a business decision, if it's not a substantially better offer then I'll see the "boring work" through that I agreed to do.

* % obviously depends on current day rate and other factors. Also chances of me getting another 10% elsewhere is unlikely, never mind 40%.

[achilles]

There are always good reasons why a contractor might want to leave a contract early. For me, professionalism and self respect are more important than money. If I am treated badly or believe that the project or company are about to fail I would look to move as soon as possible.

The specific example the OP has given where they were contacted by a previous satisfied client is another good reason. It is always nice to work with people who like you and vice versa and if you have problems in your current contract it would be wise to jump ship by serving the agreed notice period.

[LondonManc]

It would have to be something special to leave an acceptable contract. Bad commute, project going pear-shaped, bad working conditions, potential D&C issues, etc. could all be reasons to leave.

[unixman]

So the question is - "would you leave a contract that was okay for another contract which is also okay but a bit more money ?"

If that was the only separating factor, probably not. There is also the upheaval of moving to a new gig, perhaps living in a new town mon-fri and so on. I am not desperate for money anyway.

I did leave a contract mid term where I had been staying mon-fri, to take up a 17 month contract 10 miles from home, actually for less money. Travel was obviously the reason, plus I was not happy in the former gig.

[expat]

Leaving a contract because of factors within that contract is one thing; jumping to another contract because the other gives you more money is something else, and it's the same something else regardless of whether it's £5 a day more or double the money.

[NibblyPig]

I'd have no qualms about leaving. Only reasons I wouldn't would if be my departure would completely screw over the client, or if it would burn a bridge I cared about. Or if it was a breach of contract.

In 5 years will you look back and wish you'd done it? If it gives you a happier life with the WFH and more money, I would say you'd regret not doing it.

Firing up the potential Regret-o-meter is how I make most decisions.

[woohoo]

I have left a contract early, well actually worked the notice period. Hated the contract, the work was not as discussed and the code was horrible. Quite stressful and felt like I wasn't doing a good job.

An old client contacted me so I had something lined up. It wasn't an easy decision and my name is probably mud with that client but life is too short.

[Peej]

Never have

Never have and probably never will. I can't defend it to any great level and wouldn't think badly of anyone that did but, in my line of work, other contracts aren't always quickly available and - a bit old fashioned but it still sticks - it seems a bit unprofessional to me.

Been thrown out of one or two mind...

[WTFH]

Yes I would, but generally when I do it is because it's near the end of the contract, the work has dried up and I have been offered something new (not that I have gone out looking for something). When those three happen, I will discuss with the current client along the lines of "hey, are you thinking of giving me an extension or a new bit of work to go on?" If they say no, or are unsure, then I tell them that I have been offered something else, but they have first refusal.
If I have a good relationship with the client, the discussion can be honest and can make sure you leave on good terms.


...saying that, the last contract I left early was due to the tulip agency not paying me on time.

[northernladuk]

There are always situations where it's has to be considered. It's a balance of professionalism and reward. There is always a point where the reward will far outweigh the professionalism argument. Each person has a different set of criteria and many won't value the professionalism so small rewards would tempt them. Each to his own. I'd be uncomfortable in a position where the reward tempts me but I'd go if it was right. Big changes in rate, working experience and interest in the gig at a known client makes for a very tempting package I must say. Jumping just because it's 20 quid a day more at an unknown client is most certainly not.

If the package is that good, it's done properly and it's only done very occasionally I don't think it will harm the long term.

[Eirikur]

Seriously considering it right now, after being sidelined when I came back form holiday, but am not jumping until I have landed something else.

[bluedrop]

Hmm.... difficult one. but I wouldnt jump unless its a sinking ship. Im currently jumping mid contract - for the first time in 6yrs.

[jmo21]

I guess I would have a tipping point eventually, not sure what it would be though.

And it would vary depending on the contract I would be leaving. If I hated the work, the travel was difficult or whatever, that would lower my price.

To give you an example, I'm not driving just now so travel is a pain, my contract is a decent distance away, isn't the greatest for me tech-wise, BUT it is my highest rate ever by some distance, and it's a really nice team to work with, and I can work from home at least once a week which mitigates the travelling issue.