Dilemma

[El_Diablo]

Update:

both the managers agreed for me to do a time share of 3 days for the second contract and 2 days for the second one.

Which means hopefully no bridges burnt.

Thanks once again for all the ideas.

Nice one.
The next step is to bring in a sidekick and get both projects back to an average 5 man days a week. Quicker delivery for them, more cash for you: everybody wins.

Worked out nicely for you, if you can do what TL suggests would be even better.

[thunderlizard]

Nice one.
The next step is to bring in a sidekick and get both projects back to an average 5 man days a week. Quicker delivery for them, more cash for you: everybody wins.

[bullseye]

Update:

both the managers agreed for me to do a time share of 3 days for the second contract and 2 days for the first one.

Which means hopefully no bridges burnt.

Thanks once again for all the ideas.

[expat]

Then explain to your current manager that you were given the impression that there was no renewal.
Tell him that you are signed up for a contract with an extension over the three months, and see if he will offer you a longer than three month contract.
If not, that's you out and no burned bridges.
Simply explain that in today's financial climate, you have to take the position with a longer prospect of work.

And remember that you are a contractor. When you work a contract to the end (and that's the date on the paper, not in your boss's current mental state), and then leave, you don't have to explain yourself. If you do, as a courtesy, then you are just telling them why, that's all. You are not entering into an argument about it, whereby if you fail to convince him, you have to stay with him.

[bullseye]

Then explain to your current manager that you were given the impression that there was no renewal.
Tell him that you are signed up for a contract with an extension over the three months, and see if he will offer you a longer than three month contract.
If not, that's you out and no burned bridges.
Simply explain that in today's financial climate, you have to take the position with a longer prospect of work.

Is it possible to service both contracts?
Do a 2/3 split on days?
Ask both managers if they could live with that.

Great opportunity. Get your business hat on and suggest that you sub-contract one of the roles. Could be the start of a real consultancy.

All practical ideas.

Guys, thanks for all the responses. Will comeback and update you all on what happened.

[Turion]

Great opportunity. Get your business hat on and suggest that you sub-contract one of the roles. Could be the start of a real consultancy.

[ratewhore]

No brainer. Take the second one.

WHS. Tough titties to the first PM...

[The Lone Gunman]

Is it possible to service both contracts?
Do a 2/3 split on days?
Ask both managers if they could live with that.

[Diver]

Yes

Then explain to your current manager that you were given the impression that there was no renewal.
Tell him that you are signed up for a contract with an extension over the three months, and see if he will offer you a longer than three month contract.
If not, that's you out and no burned bridges.
Simply explain that in today's financial climate, you have to take the position with a longer prospect of work.

[bullseye]

Were you given the impression that your current contract would not be renewed?

Yes

[Diver]

Thanks for the response 'NotAllThere'.

I know its a no brainer. What I'm really wondering is will I burn the bridges if I take the second contract.

Were you given the impression that your current contract would not be renewed?

[bullseye]

Thanks for the response 'NotAllThere'.

I know its a no brainer. What I'm really wondering is will I burn the bridges if I take the second contract.

[NotAllThere]

No brainer. Take the second one.

[bullseye]

My client co is one of the leading IT services company.

My current contract is supposed to end by the end of this month. Meanwhile found out that there are other teams which had avenues for my company to provide services. Had a chat with one of the project managers, he liked my work and ended up signing a new contract with his team. Advantage with this one is, it might get extended beyond the initial 3 months.

Now my current manager comes back and says he might need my services probably for another 3 months and wants me to continue in my current role. If I'm okay he is ready to talk to the project manager on the new contract. Advantage with this one is that it is continuation of what I have been doing, but I don't see any more extensions.

I know my circumstances are unique and I have to make a decision.

I'm just wondering what would someone else do if they were in my position? What would you do if you were in my position?