Reply to: Client Terminating My Contract Early With No Valid Reason

[suespence]

I know as a contractor if the client decides to get rid of you early then that's their prerogative but, all the same, is it normal and common for them to do this with no real justification?

It might not always be common, but I do consider that 'normal' for contracting. It feels like a rejection, but it's just business. Even FTE is not immune to such things.

[fidot]

Get A Written Reference

My advice would be, once you had been told that you hadn't done anything wrong, to say "great, would you mind supplying a written reference then". The main purpose of that approach is obtaining the reference for using in getting the next gig (which should be your only concern). However, in this case, it has the secondary effect of giving the OP closure too.

[LondonManc]

Indeed I certainly am in shock but there's a first time for everything and this is a first for me. Shock I guess because I know I'm delivering a service and should get on with it but it's new to me. I'm by no means a closet permie and I did do the occasional check-in with client to guage feedback. I've kind of got over the shock now. In the midst of chasing my next gig and this will toughen me up for sure. I'll definitely now always be expecting the unexpected and not trust anyone but yours truly...

It's a crap life at times. I've been canned through politics at a higher level two months into a six month extension; it's generally the way that it goes when you get canned. You'll know within yourself if you were good enough for the gig and if you were then it's often sheer bad luck that sees you out the door early.

[Willy Win]

I think the OP is in a state of shock. It is very easy to get comfortable in a gig and put your feet up on the desk so-to-speak and let the weeds overcome the lawn grass. These recent years 2015-2017 have taught me this: "never trust".

Indeed I certainly am in shock but there's a first time for everything and this is a first for me. Shock I guess because I know I'm delivering a service and should get on with it but it's new to me. I'm by no means a closet permie and I did do the occasional check-in with client to guage feedback. I've kind of got over the shock now. In the midst of chasing my next gig and this will toughen me up for sure. I'll definitely now always be expecting the unexpected and not trust anyone but yours truly...

[rocktronAMP]

It makes you sound like a bloody permie. Get a grip.

Nah mate. You should get a grip!

When one provides a technical solution to a client. Is my ultimate solution fulfilling the function? Is the project running the schedule? Is it helping? I am talking about project milestones and deliverables.

I don't give a monkeys if it is contract or permanent, if as a consultant I am only concerned with providing the right solution to the client so that they are happy. If I can't or they won't let me, because of politics or something else going like re-organised then I know then it is game over. Usually being diplomatic, tactful and insightful gets me out of the bind. I can "feel" it the bad times are coming. It is usually time, to ship the new CV to the jobsite and start looking for something else.

I think the OP is in a state of shock. It is very easy to get comfortable in a gig and put your feet up on the desk so-to-speak and let the weeds overcome the lawn grass. These recent years 2015-2017 have taught me this: "never trust".

[LondonManc]

I shall pass this to the mods.

You'll be one of few people reporting facts this week if you do.

[Bee]

I'm not confusing anything. I'll be heading for my first break in over four and a half years on Tuesday; clearly I'm not doing something right though.

Fine, I'm new in contracting but many years delivering IT services.

Note that when I mention ignorance in this context I'm referring to the lack of knowledge in this matter, not an offence.

I'd guess you're way off the mark because the Iberian Idiot was replying to one of my posts. No wonder you stray into bloody bus lanes!

I shall pass this to the mods.

[LondonManc]

Amateur

I know, I'm at risk of having to spend time with the enemy; it's all quite worrying.

[quackhandle]

Willy won't.

But good luck anyway.

qh

[MrMarkyMark]

I'm not confusing anything. I'll be heading for my first break in over four and a half years on Tuesday; clearly I'm not doing something right though.



I'd guess you're way off the mark because the Iberian Idiot was replying to one of my posts. No wonder you stray into bloody bus lanes!

Amateur

[northernladuk]

I'd guess you're way off the mark because the Iberian Idiot was replying to one of my posts. No wonder you stray into bloody bus lanes!

Oh aye, so it is. If I'd spotted that I wouldn't have needed to question it

[LondonManc]

I'm afraid that you are mixing concepts based in ignorance, unfortunately, you are not the only here and very common in some ex-permies.

You are confusing it with formal performance evaluation and Best Practices procedures. A service that is delivery oriented must have step/procedures that include feedback from the client. You have the right to disagree but in my opinion, the advice from rocktronAMP is a good advice, I do it myself and prevents the OP situation.

HTH

I'm not confusing anything. I'll be heading for my first break in over four and a half years on Tuesday; clearly I'm not doing something right though.

I guess, and that's the best I can do from that bloody sentence... that Bee is calling you an ignorant ex-permie cock womble. I wouldn't stand for that if I were you.

I'd guess you're way off the mark because the Iberian Idiot was replying to one of my posts. No wonder you stray into bloody bus lanes!

[MrMarkyMark]

I guess, and that's the best I can do from that bloody sentence... that Bee is calling you an ignorant ex-permie cock womble. I wouldn't stand for that if I were you.

Yeh, well, I am a little new to this contracting game and haven't contracted for anyone major to speak of.

A complete failure

[I just need to test it]

The people who were actually doing a decent job that I've been really pleased to see the back of all had one thing in common. They stank to high heaven.

[northernladuk]

I do usually hear feed back in any case as, of course, it is usually offered.
it is not certainly anything I would ask for.

Anyway, I tend to judge feedback purely in the terms and extensions and further income generation.
Has worked for me for a long time.

I'm afraid that you are mixing concepts based in ignorance, unfortunately, you are not the only here and very common in some ex-permies.

I guess, and that's the best I can do from that bloody sentence... that Bee is calling you an ignorant ex-permie cock womble. I wouldn't stand for that if I were you.