Walking out mid contract

[XperTest]

I don't think I agree with the majority. If you accept a contract or even more so an extension (when you already now what the contract is like) I would recommend sitting it out. The situation would have to be very, very bad for me to consider walking out mid contract.. It's just a matter of making sure you have several options lined up (if you can of course) when you go for a contract or are hesitant and picking out the best one for you, based on a combination of factors (location, rate, duration, role, etc). After I've made my decision, I will stick by it as I think it's the only professional thing to do. If I am really not happy somewhere I will talk to the client and indicate there is a problem and can we do something about it. If they can't, they at least know I'll more than likely not extend. Walking out mid contract is very unprofessional as far as I am concerned, and I aim to be more of a reliable business partner for my clients. Am actually amazed so many of you have so little qualms about letting your customers down like this..

[bunting]

I gave 1 week notice 3 weeks into 3 month (likely min 12 mth) contract at BT. CP were agents and they were well p****ed when I said I was off. Said I was dragging their name through the mud with their client, blah, blah.
I'd been there for 3 wks and was completely bored, no direction, role, desk. I can accept some people can wait for the client to bring you in and keep you waiting, but I need to be running from the start.
So I jumped for another contract I'd lined up. Same rate, 30 miles further away from home, longer hours, ridiculous workload. Love it though.

I reckon that you can probably bail from a contract as long as you give the notice and not get caught up with the agency's petty bitching that you are stabbing them in the back. If you have the right skills for the next contract they'll put you forward if they think they'll make money out of you.
It's all about lolly in the end.

[Diver]

Can anyone tell me the implications for walking out of a contract half way through?
I have just accepted an extension to my contract, but feel it may have been a mistake.
Although I havent signed any paperwork, is there anything to stop me walking?

If they offered an extension, they want you!
If they want you, they may pay more?
Try the old "I've been offered a contract with more etc."
If it works, you may feel better about sticking.

If this is not for you, remember to leave a blank space in your portfolio/CV for evermore, and pray the client doesn't raise the ugly on you some time in the future.

Here's Luck to you anyway

[BlasterBates]

Can anyone tell me the implications for walking out of a contract half way through?
I have just accepted an extension to my contract, but feel it may have been a mistake.
Although I havent signed any paperwork, is there anything to stop me walking?

If you walk leaving problems, that's bad, even if the paperwork isn't through. At the very least you should arrive at an amicable arrangement. You really need to think about this before you agree to an extension.
Still its your decision. Good luck

[Bright Spark]

Only walk if you've got something lined up elsewhere, otherwise
accept the extension and start looking for another gig.

Also if your current gig was 3months then I would accept the
extension to six months, most clients always go for a 3month
contract to see if your any good, this is what agents will see when
they look at your cv as well, ie gigs > 6 months implies your ok.

HTH

[TheFaQQer]

It could be an issue a couple of years down the line when you go for interview at another place and facing you is one of the people you left in the lurch, going

That's what I'd be worried about - a couple of years ago I had an interview with someone who had screwed me over when we were both permie and working for the same company.

After a rather painful interview, I didn't get the job. There was no doubt I could do it, but the previous relationship (which ended up with him being made redundant and me staying) made sure that I was never going to get it - he just wanted me to travel to the south coast.

If you leave in an unprofessional manner (and I include giving notice here if you've only just started / agreed an extension), then it may well turn out to come back later on.

[NickFitz]

The only people who will really be pissed off are those directly involved at the client. And if you're hacked off with being there, what do you care?

It could be an issue a couple of years down the line when you go for interview at another place and facing you is one of the people you left in the lurch, going

[ratewhore]

What effect will it have on your skillset, reputation etc?

What is the reality here? Will his name go down on a list of contractors to avoid? If so, where? Client - doubt it. Agency - we all know they will come running if they can make a buck out of you.

The only people who will really be pissed off are those directly involved at the client. And if you're hacked off with being there, what do you care?

Just my 2p's worth...

[Meerkat]

Dont you have a notice period on your contract?
Surely one of the perks of contracting is that you can leave somewhere you hate being and move on. As long as you do it professionally and dont pee anyone off then, thats life. Contractors come and go. At the end of the day if the client needed to he could also give you the heave, works both ways. I'm mid extension at the moment and totally bored. Have had a couple of calls about better contracts and will in all likelyhood leave. I have 5 day notice period in my contract, will work it and go.

[TheFaQQer]

Can anyone tell me the implications for walking out of a contract half way through?
I have just accepted an extension to my contract, but feel it may have been a mistake.
Although I havent signed any paperwork, is there anything to stop me walking?

Not sure if there is anything legally to stop you walking out (how have you accepted the extension? Is your acceptance legally binding?), but from a reputation point of view, I wouldn't do it.

You may need to work with these people again (either in this company or any other), you may need to work with the agency again, and it's a small world out there where people talk. If you think that it's not going to impact your reputation too much, then walk.

Or find a replacement and exercise your right of substitution.

[chicane]

Except he says he's already ACCEPTED the extension on offer..

My advice: be a professional and keep up your end of the deal..

He's only verbally accepted the contract by the sound of it.

Goldenboy - from a legal standpoint there is nothing stopping you from taking a walk now, but do have a think about what you're doing in terms of the long term. What effect will it have on your skillset, reputation etc?

[XperTest]

So your contract has ended (or is ending soon) and you've been offered a renewal which you are not sure about taking ?

This is not mid-contract.
If you want the renewal - take it.
If you want more money - ask for it
If you don't want it - walk

I don't see the problem.

Except he says he's already ACCEPTED the extension on offer..

My advice: be a professional and keep up your end of the deal..

[Orangutan]

So your contract has ended (or is ending soon) and you've been offered a renewal which you are not sure about taking ?

This is not mid-contract.
If you want the renewal - take it.
If you want more money - ask for it
If you don't want it - walk

I don't see the problem.

[Goldenboy]

Can anyone tell me the implications for walking out of a contract half way through?
I have just accepted an extension to my contract, but feel it may have been a mistake.
Although I havent signed any paperwork, is there anything to stop me walking?