Reply to: Ending a contract early - Dilemma

[ManiAnanth]

Question: do you think you are expensive or is the agent potentially stiffing you both? That is, going rate should be £500, you're getting £400, agent is claiming to the client that you're being billed at £600? Has the client been conned into paying £600 because you were meant to be worth that 20% extra?

Honestly, I do not know! When I negotiated the rates with the agency - there was a lot of back and forth and w.r.t to the contract as well around RtoS, SDC etc., the agency said that they are only keeping a 6% margin because, they wanted to work with the client long term etc., etc., but that is just standard talk straight out of the playbook of every recruiter...Right?

[ManiAnanth]

Indeed I would have binned him already

Big difference between saying "I am not happy with your performance" and actually being unhappy with the performance.

***

Also, genuine question - when you say, I would have binned him already - are you talking about me leaving the client or the PM binning me? I am guessing the latter, but thought would clarify with you.

[LondonManc]

Thanks, but the exact words of the Project Manager about 3 weeks ago was "I am not happy. Compared to the rest of the team...You are a bloody expensive contractor and if you are not delivering, you will be out of the door", so the same thing of getting someone else to do it cheaper or use it to give work to a permie who doesn't have any work currently can all be still happen in this gig too. :-)

Sure, the known devil is better than an unknown one etc., etc., but when someone says you will be out of the door, it is an ominous sign...not to mention other signs such as I am being shut out of other team meetings etc.,

Of course, all of this might be an over-reaction on my side too...who knows?!

Question: do you think you are expensive or is the agent potentially stiffing you both? That is, going rate should be £500, you're getting £400, agent is claiming to the client that you're being billed at £600? Has the client been conned into paying £600 because you were meant to be worth that 20% extra?

[GhostofTarbera]

If the PM was saying he's not happy about your performance then you are lucky to still be there.

Indeed I would have binned him already


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[perplexed]

If the PM was saying he's not happy about your performance then you are lucky to still be there.

Shaft them before they shaft you is my mantra. As soon as a PM says something so utterly unprofessional, update CV and get the hell out of dodge.

[ManiAnanth]

I don't think it's an overreaction. If you feel like they are getting ready to drop you, then they are getting ready to drop you.

Yup, going with my gut. As someone said, no one can be sure...but, I will come back in a year's time and let you know if the decision was the right one or not.

[ManiAnanth]

If the PM was saying he's not happy about your performance then you are lucky to still be there.

Mighty insensitive, but I have to thank COVID-19 for that?

[jayn200]

Thanks, but the exact words of the Project Manager about 3 weeks ago was "I am not happy. Compared to the rest of the team...You are a bloody expensive contractor and if you are not delivering, you will be out of the door", so the same thing of getting someone else to do it cheaper or use it to give work to a permie who doesn't have any work currently can all be still happen in this gig too. :-)

Sure, the known devil is better than an unknown one etc., etc., but when someone says you will be out of the door, it is an ominous sign...not to mention other signs such as I am being shut out of other team meetings etc.,

Of course, all of this might be an over-reaction on my side too...who knows?!

I don't think it's an overreaction. If you feel like they are getting ready to drop you, then they are getting ready to drop you.

[hairymouse]

Thanks, but the exact words of the Project Manager about 3 weeks ago was "I am not happy. Compared to the rest of the team...You are a bloody expensive contractor and if you are not delivering, you will be out of the door", so the same thing of getting someone else to do it cheaper or use it to give work to a permie who doesn't have any work currently can all be still happen in this gig too. :-)

Sure, the known devil is better than an unknown one etc., etc., but when someone says you will be out of the door, it is an ominous sign...not to mention other signs such as I am being shut out of other team meetings etc.,

Of course, all of this might be an over-reaction on my side too...who knows?!

If the PM was saying he's not happy about your performance then you are lucky to still be there.

[ManiAnanth]

Just because the role won't be going away doesn't mean it's a sure thing. They might get someone else to do it cheaper or use it to give work to a permie who doesn't have any work currently.

Thanks, but the exact words of the Project Manager about 3 weeks ago was "I am not happy. Compared to the rest of the team...You are a bloody expensive contractor and if you are not delivering, you will be out of the door", so the same thing of getting someone else to do it cheaper or use it to give work to a permie who doesn't have any work currently can all be still happen in this gig too. :-)

Sure, the known devil is better than an unknown one etc., etc., but when someone says you will be out of the door, it is an ominous sign...not to mention other signs such as I am being shut out of other team meetings etc.,

Of course, all of this might be an over-reaction on my side too...who knows?!

[hairymouse]

Oh yes, it is a FTC as a replacement for someone's maternity cover. I have spoken with the Project Director and few other people at the client location to confirm the state of the project and that it is indeed a role which is absolutely necessary and not having this role would lead to severe issues for them as a company.

Just because the role won't be going away doesn't mean it's a sure thing. They might get someone else to do it cheaper or use it to give work to a permie who doesn't have any work currently.

[psychocandy]

Hmm, current gig not working out and got another offer.

No brainer. Leave and take it.

[ManiAnanth]

Oh yes, it is a FTC as a replacement for someone's maternity cover. I have spoken with the Project Director and few other people at the client location to confirm the state of the project and that it is indeed a role which is absolutely necessary and not having this role would lead to severe issues for them as a company.

[ladymuck]

You'd better be absolutely sure about that other contract. Roles are getting cancelled all the time now and a signed contract means nothing. If you are just starting to contract then you probably don't have any money saved and you will be absolutely screwed if that next contract gets cancelled.
I'm going to go against the experts and say keep invoicing as long as you can.

I'd agree. I wouldn't jump ship without being damn sure.

The advice being given is based on the OP deciding they want to quit.

[hairymouse]

You'd better be absolutely sure about that other contract. Roles are getting cancelled all the time now and a signed contract means nothing. If you are just starting to contract then you probably don't have any money saved and you will be absolutely screwed if that next contract gets cancelled.
I'm going to go against the experts and say keep invoicing as long as you can.