terminating contract mid term

[Dark Black]

Well this really is turning out to be the contract from hell (for me anyway). I'm going to give it serious thought over the weekend (and look at my accounts), but gut feeling is to bail next week.

I'll keep you all posted!

[strawberrysmoothie]

I've had to leave a contract after 1 day a few years ago.

I informed the agent by email and send a formal letter (with a Dr note). Don't let the agent convince you to stay and make sure the agency don't try to harrass you -they did this to me with constant phone calls ALL DAY till I told them I would contact the Rozzers as this was unprofessional and possibly criminal.

[BolshieBastard]

I had to give my weeks notice at a Council a couple of years ago and it was horrible!

I'd told the agent first, but she said I had to tell the client.

I had 3 levels of manager pull me into the big bosses office and all 3 of them gave me the hard sell to stay - it was awful. They really tried to guilt me into staying, saying I was "doing a runner" and "leaving them in the lurch"etc.

I stood my ground like - you have to. Just remember - you're a business. Your company tells you what to do, not clients.

Be strong like bull!

What!? Sorry you should have just sent a letter to the agent then just told the first manager. When he \ she said you had to see the other managers you should have refused and told them you were just making them away of what was happening.

[Mr Crosby]

I walked out with a days notice. Didn't go down that well though.

[Gibbon]

Cheers for the replies folks - just one last thing, if after verbally giving notice (to agent) is an email an acceptable written form or does it need to be in a (printed and signed) letter?

Done this a few times always with just verbal to both agent and client.

To avoid leaving a nasty taste in their mouth I would advise to think of a good excuse and maybe offer to do longer than a weeks notice to wrap up cleanly whatever you're working.

I've been back to various clients having left them mid contract before. Just don't leave at a critical stage.

[Dark Black]

Cheers for the replies folks - just one last thing, if after verbally giving notice (to agent) is an email an acceptable written form or does it need to be in a (printed and signed) letter?

[TheFaQQer]

Your company tells you what to do, not clients.

I can see it now:

- I'd love to stay, but my boss is a real b1tch and she says that I have to leave.
- Don't you work for yourself?
- Yes, but that doesn't make my first statement any less true

[pmeswani]

I had to give my weeks notice at a Council a couple of years ago and it was horrible!

I'd told the agent first, but she said I had to tell the client.

I had 3 levels of manager pull me into the big bosses office and all 3 of them gave me the hard sell to stay - it was awful. They really tried to guilt me into staying, saying I was "doing a runner" and "leaving them in the lurch"etc.

I stood my ground like - you have to. Just remember - you're a business. Your company tells you what to do, not clients.

Be strong like bull!

Emotional blackmail is the public sector way of life by the looks of it. You could have told them that they were nothing short of schoolkid bullies.

[swamp]

My client thinks nothing of exercising its notice clause

[SallyAnne]

I had to give my weeks notice at a Council a couple of years ago and it was horrible!

I'd told the agent first, but she said I had to tell the client.

I had 3 levels of manager pull me into the big bosses office and all 3 of them gave me the hard sell to stay - it was awful. They really tried to guilt me into staying, saying I was "doing a runner" and "leaving them in the lurch"etc.

I stood my ground like - you have to. Just remember - you're a business. Your company tells you what to do, not clients.

Be strong like bull!

[rootsnall]

Anyone else done this?

Current gig is rapidly turning into the contract from hell and I'm thinking of invoking my 1 week notice clause. Current market state doesn't bother me and there are other things I can make better use of my time better for.

What's the best way of actually giving notice as I've never done this (for a contract) before?

I was thinking write a termination letter for client and agency but also verbally tell both parties before handing over the letter - does this sound like the right way to do this?

You've got it, verbal with a nicey nicey excuse and then make sure you do the written side as you'll then be covered.

I've been in projects from hell before and wanted to walk but hung on in there and they've turned out not too bad in the end.

[pmeswani]

Anyone else done this?

Current gig is rapidly turning into the contract from hell and I'm thinking of invoking my 1 week notice clause. Current market state doesn't bother me and there are other things I can make better use of my time better for.

What's the best way of actually giving notice as I've never done this (for a contract) before?

I was thinking write a termination letter for client and agency but also verbally tell both parties before handing over the letter - does this sound like the right way to do this?

Tell the agency.. they are the ones who you have the contract with. It is down to them to tell the client. However, it is polite to tell the client, but only after you have terminated the contract with the agency... just in case the agency gives you a sweetner to keep you on.

[Dark Black]

Anyone else done this?

Current gig is rapidly turning into the contract from hell and I'm thinking of invoking my 1 week notice clause. Current market state doesn't bother me and there are other things I can make better use of my time better for.

What's the best way of actually giving notice as I've never done this (for a contract) before?

I was thinking write a termination letter for client and agency but also verbally tell both parties before handing over the letter - does this sound like the right way to do this?