Reply to: Contract quietly expiring

[hugebrain]

Just tell agency and client your contract is up and you're not interested to renew. Should have done that a long time ago.

Never tell them early, it just gives them an excuse to terminate early (unless you want that obvs).

It’s normal for clients to forget about renewals, a simple “err, do you want me to come into work on Monday?” A few days before usually does the trick.

[zonkkk]

Just tell agency and client your contract is up and you're not interested to renew. Should have done that a long time ago.

[quackhandle]

Then you get the stock line from the pimp:

"We assumed you were happy to renew...?"

Had that once or twice when I have gone on to another gig. You can hear the fear in their voice that they now have to explain to end client why you have gone.

qh

[TheDude]

At which point - you should have told the agency that the renewal had taken so long you were no longer available

It's not that straightforward. I was approached by an ex manager and the approach has to be formalised through the firms HR system which is why I waited - it is still not in the bag.

[eek]

That is what I did and I managed to find a contract paying 40% more.

At which point - you should have told the agency that the renewal had taken so long you were no longer available

[TheDude]

I always start looking one month before any end or renewal, no matter how nailed-on.

If you get left high and dry, contractors have no one to blame but themselves. You're much better off entertaining some Plan Bs you can turn down (or jump to!) than having to start the process from scratch on the Monday after you finish.

That is what I did and I managed to find a contract paying 40% more.

[PerfectStorm]

I always start looking one month before any end or renewal, no matter how nailed-on.

If you get left high and dry, contractors have no one to blame but themselves. You're much better off entertaining some Plan Bs you can turn down (or jump to!) than having to start the process from scratch on the Monday after you finish.

[BlasterBates]

My contract expires the end of this week.

I have been assured by the agent/supplier that a renewal is in the pipeline but previous renewals have been completed weeks in advance of expiry.

I would clarify now with the agency and the client. This sounds like you have a verbal agreement about a renewal, which means there will be an expectation you will be continuing. Verbal agreements are also binding. Normally you're informed when the renewal has fallen though.

[anonymouse]

My renewal is due in 4 weeks, but heard nothing so dropped an email, just stating the end date, to the manager. He thought the contract had another 6 months to run, but renewals are done by a separate dept, as that was what had been requested. More paperwork on it's way.

Sometimes you get to the end and they decide not to renew, some times you get to the end and they renew, sometime they renew and decide to give notice on the last week anyway. It just depends.

[eek]

This, especially since OP says he doesn't want to renew.

I'd add that OP is leaving it a little late. 3 days is not a long time to arrange a potential handover. I would have sent that email first thing on Monday morning to give client a full week.

Were it me. it would have been last Monday....

[PCTNN]

I would talk to the client and simply confirm who to hand over to / return any kit to.

This, especially since OP says he doesn't want to renew.

I'd add that OP is leaving it a little late. 3 days is not a long time to arrange a potential handover. I would have sent that email first thing on Monday morning to give client a full week.

[Lance]

It's as simple as this. I'd say start handover much earlier though personally.

Until you know otherwise work as if the contracting is ending. IMO you are in charge of the handover even if the client doesn't mention it. I couldn't leave a client without knowing the work I've done is in the right hands or has been completed as it should be. I hate seeing contractors just leaving or picking up from where a contractor (permie as well I guess) just downed tools and left. Highly unprofessional IMO.

I'll start planning a handover a good number of weeks before the end of a contract and if the renewal comes through I stop that and carry on as normal.

I also don't believe a word an agent says until I see a contract in my inbox so don't let their bluster detract you.



This as well. If you start planning early and make everyone aware of your leaving date be it a project or any stakeholder that might need you beyond the contract expiring it could help as they may apply pressure to keep you if they need you. If you want to leave then that's up to you but it's the professional thing to do IMO.

You might want to go now but leave the situation in the best possible way in case you get a chance to come back. Keep professional until the end and it might pay dividends further down the line. Be an arse and leave them in the lurch then your rep is ruined.

yeah this.....

I start doing handover at 1 month to go. If I've been there a while I suggest that they need someone to focus on the handover full time for at least 2 weeks, or risk losing out on valuable information.
Of course everything is documented anyway so they have that, but no f***er will read it.

I've rarely been able to do a proper handover, but I always offer. And usually get a guy for just 3 days without the relevant experience. But I try.

[northernladuk]

Speak to the client directly, explain the situation, then hand over everything (hardware/knowledge/documentation) on Friday and walk away.

It's as simple as this. I'd say start handover much earlier though personally.

Until you know otherwise work as if the contracting is ending. IMO you are in charge of the handover even if the client doesn't mention it. I couldn't leave a client without knowing the work I've done is in the right hands or has been completed as it should be. I hate seeing contractors just leaving or picking up from where a contractor (permie as well I guess) just downed tools and left. Highly unprofessional IMO.

I'll start planning a handover a good number of weeks before the end of a contract and if the renewal comes through I stop that and carry on as normal.

I also don't believe a word an agent says until I see a contract in my inbox so don't let their bluster detract you.

Start planning the hand over, that usually focuses the mind and you'll know quickly if you are staying or not if they tell you who you are handing over too

This as well. If you start planning early and make everyone aware of your leaving date be it a project or any stakeholder that might need you beyond the contract expiring it could help as they may apply pressure to keep you if they need you. If you want to leave then that's up to you but it's the professional thing to do IMO.

You might want to go now but leave the situation in the best possible way in case you get a chance to come back. Keep professional until the end and it might pay dividends further down the line. Be an arse and leave them in the lurch then your rep is ruined.

[SimonMac]

Start planning the hand over, that usually focuses the mind and you'll know quickly if you are staying or not if they tell you who you are handing over too

[SussexSeagull]

Ask whoever your contact is at the client if they are aware you finish on Friday.