Bit of a dilemna

[gadgetman]

I disagree. As a test manager myself, test analyst is just another way of describing your basic, bottom of the pile tester. Like calling a binman a waste disposal technician

In my experience the hierarchy is tester (or test analyst), senior TA, team lead, (project) test manager, programme test manager, principal test manager (lots of other titles for this one), head of testing. I've done all of them except the last one.

'Lead tester' is one step up from 'Tester' and a step below 'Test Analyst' imo.

[Turion]

It sounds like you've been promoted, a bit like a permie, but aside from that, as you do not know whether you will get an extention, accept the new role without delay. Then you know that you have work available if you do not get extended. If an extention is granted you can ditch the new role.

Basically, it's all about knowing who is most important - you or the client/agent. As previous posters have stated, clients will ditch you at anytime if it suits them.

[BolshieBastard]

'Lead tester' is one step up from 'Tester' and a step below 'Test Analyst' imo.

All a 'tester' does is execute scripts and has to be told what to do. A 'Lead tester' just tells the 'tester' what to do and is probably told what to do by the 'Test Alayst \ Test Manager.'

Having said that, my approach is always 'a bird in the hand............' so I'd take the 12 month extension.

[TykeMerc]

That still wouldn't guarantee anything.

I've been shafted twice (by the same high street bank at different locations) when having been offered and accepted extensions they've subsequently given notice.

Don't take anything for granted. Basically all you can rely on is your notice period.

True, happened to me with a 12 month extension at a big bank that got pulled in the 1st week after it was signed and a 3 monther when Railtrack went bust. As contractors it's part of the territory and one of the reasons we get hired.

[Ardesco]

OK - have been with current client for 1 year, and have progressed well so now in a "Lead Tester" position. client is a financial giant, there is constant talk of offshoring jobs at the moment, aswell as the credit crunch risks,and renewal is due in 2weeks, but nothing solid on the table yet.

I have been offered a "Test analyst" role not far away but on approx 15% less daily rate and only for 3 months with a smaller outfit.

Should I accept the new role and move on, or stay put and hope for the best?

What looks better on your resume and is likely to get you a higher daily rate when going for future contracts?

Test Analyst
Lead Tester

That should be all you need to know

[thunderlizard]

Your current setup sounds nice. I reckon you should mention the other possibility you've got, and ask them if they could hurry up with the paperwork because you wouldn't want to have to jump ship while they're in mid-dither.

Anyway how does a "lead tester" test lead? Not by tasting it I hope, because it's poisonous.

[gadgetman]

That still wouldn't guarantee anything.

I've been shafted twice (by the same high street bank at different locations) when having been offered and accepted extensions they've subsequently given notice.

Don't take anything for granted. Basically all you can rely on is your notice period.

[argoran]

The only thing you'd have to worry about is that a lead tester means you have integrated within the company ( accepted a managerial role ) and have responsibilites towards company employees which does put you in a dubious position as far as R35 is concerned.

Check with an IR35 legal advisor to see where you stand that might help you make up your mind.

[ChimpMaster]

Tell your current client the situation. Tell them that you are being approached for other roles but would like to stay here, and just need confirmation that the contract is being extended. Discuss openly the offshoring of work and try to determine how your role will be affected.

You might be pleasantly surprised that they want you to stay for the longer term. Or you might be told that the work is drying up, which at least will give you sufficient warning to look for other contracts.

A bird in the hand etc etc. I have been at my current client for a long time now, and have been offered several other contracts in the meantime. Fortunately I've stuck it out here and am better off for it.

[pmeswani]

OK - have been with current client for 1 year, and have progressed well so now in a "Lead Tester" position. client is a financial giant, there is constant talk of offshoring jobs at the moment, aswell as the credit crunch risks,and renewal is due in 2weeks, but nothing solid on the table yet.

I have been offered a "Test analyst" role not far away but on approx 15% less daily rate and only for 3 months with a smaller outfit.

Should I accept the new role and move on, or stay put and hope for the best?

If you don't take the "Test Analyst" role and your current contract doesn't get renewed... would you be able to afford to be out of work for anything up to 6 months (for example)?

If you do take the "Test Analyst" role, would you be able to afford the pay cut? If not, would you be able to find a way of topping up your salary?

Have you asked your current client if they are prepared to renew your contract at the current or negotiated rate?

Will you be able to accept a shorter renewal from your current client than what the new opportunity is offering?

The best thing to do is to tell the client your position. If they find you a valuable resource (regardless of the offshoring), you should be offered a renewal.

[expat]

OK - have been with current client for 1 year, and have progressed well so now in a "Lead Tester" position. client is a financial giant, there is constant talk of offshoring jobs at the moment, aswell as the credit crunch risks,and renewal is due in 2weeks, but nothing solid on the table yet.

I have been offered a "Test analyst" role not far away but on approx 15% less daily rate and only for 3 months with a smaller outfit.

Should I accept the new role and move on, or stay put and hope for the best?

To know the answer, you need to be able to foretell the future. Most of this lot can't foretell the present, and some of the Maggie-fanboys even foretell the past wrongly.

Sorry.
1. Can you stall on the new job so that you get to make the choice knowing the position on the old job?
2. Is "Lead Tester" a job that may stay in the UK even if "Tester" moves offshore? How likely is the offshoring, and would your job be offshored?
3. What is your attitude to change, risk, and flexibility? Do you need/want to stay in your area, and how likely is that with other future contracts?

[HRHisaravingfelchlord]

Should I accept the new role and move on, or stay put and hope for the best?

Without any further information only you can answer this. Unless you want CUK as a scapegoat when you make the wrong decision. Perhaps do a poll and let the public decide.

[nwtester]

OK - have been with current client for 1 year, and have progressed well so now in a "Lead Tester" position. client is a financial giant, there is constant talk of offshoring jobs at the moment, aswell as the credit crunch risks,and renewal is due in 2weeks, but nothing solid on the table yet.

I have been offered a "Test analyst" role not far away but on approx 15% less daily rate and only for 3 months with a smaller outfit.

Should I accept the new role and move on, or stay put and hope for the best?