Reply to: Contract renewal - rate cut request

[BoredBloke]

I'm just getting all my stuff together and automating the lot using VBA - he has no VBA knowledge so there is no way I can teach him that in the time we were given and there is no way I would try. So long as nothing changes (an that won't happen) things will work fine. If something changes or he forgets to do something then he's kind of fooked. If they want me back to rectify things it will be on my terms.

The best one was I do a role where I generate fingerprints in Enterprise Discovery to detect applications and utilities which are outside the normal HP monthly updates. There are only a few people in the country who do this - it's not hard it's just most places don't need it. They tried to get a contractor to replace me but all the agency was offering £170 a day for it. The contractor we originally got in to teach us charged £1200 a day. So if my training has not been up to scratch on that front then that is more like the rate I'll be charging.

I doubt they will need me back in the future but if they do then the boot will clearly be on the other foot.

[BrowneIssue]

I would find it very hard to act professionally under such circumstances.

To take advantage of the oft-used analogy: "you've got a plumber in doing some major work. Half-way through you tell him you're bringing in a cowboy and he has to show the cowboy what to do, then clear off. What would the plumber do?"

(I'm clearly not cut out to be an investment banker: I couldn't bring myself to do that. They really are selfish, self-serving put-money-before-people's-lives bastards, aren't they? Still, if society as a whole moves slightly away from the "money is more important than people" philosophy, all this crisis will be worthwhile, IMHO.))

[Jubber]

I wouldn't have minded the option of a rate cut - where I am they gave us all notice and we are having to train up the Indians to do the job. So I'm getting a 100% rate cut in just under 2 weeks.

I would find it very hard to act professionally under such circumstances.

[BoredBloke]

I wouldn't have minded the option of a rate cut - where I am they gave us all notice and we are having to train up the Indians to do the job. So I'm getting a 100% rate cut in just under 2 weeks.

[Evil Hangover]

Understand that the IB's are about to embark on another !! round of rate cuts in the coming weeks. Touch your toes time once again.....

[NickNick]

Doesn't matter if the client booming. In general they should only pay market rates for contractors. Do you think Sir Fred Godwin's plumber should demand above market rates because "he can afford it"?!

I expect if Fred Godwin called a plumber this month he will get charged an increased rate.

[Mr Crosby]

Whilst you are quite happy to fill your pockets with a very substantial wage, you are not quite so magnanimous about your client doing the same. I think the word is "hypocrisy"

Remind me again just what is it you do once you've got a contractor in a contract?

[Fred Bloggs]

Whilst you are quite happy to fill your pockets with a very substantial wage, you are not quite so magnanimous about your client doing the same. I think the word is "hypocrisy"

How very wrong. My comment merely reflects the current dog eat dog climate we're presently enduring.

I applaud all businesses who make large margins and profits (ethically). Without a successful client I cannot be a successful (and I am) contractor.

[swamp]

Whilst you are quite happy to fill your pockets with a very substantial wage, you are not quite so magnanimous about your client doing the same. I think the word is "hypocrisy"

Hmm, an agent accusing people of hypocrisy. What's that saying about people in glass houses ...?

Doesn't matter if the client booming. In general they should only pay market rates for contractors. Do you think Sir Fred Godwin's plumber should demand above market rates because "he can afford it"?!

[fckvwls]

Whilst you are quite happy to fill your pockets with a very substantial wage, you are not quite so magnanimous about your client doing the same. I think the word is "hypocrisy"

I have a word for you too. IRONY.

[oracleslave]

Whilst you are quite happy to fill your pockets with a very substantial wage, you are not quite so magnanimous about your client doing the same. I think the word is "hypocrisy"

So are you halving your margins in this time of need DA or are you going to help us spend our way out of this recession by getting the missus a new porsche?

[adestor]

Whilst you are quite happy to fill your pockets with a very substantial wage, you are not quite so magnanimous about your client doing the same. I think the word is "hypocrisy"

Hmm, an agent accusing people of hypocrisy. What's that saying about people in glass houses ...?

[DodgyAgent]

Yes, but that won't stop them trying to make even more mega bucks at your expense if they so choose.

Whilst you are quite happy to fill your pockets with a very substantial wage, you are not quite so magnanimous about your client doing the same. I think the word is "hypocrisy"

[DodgyAgent]

Not quite as "across the board" as they like to make out, about 10% were spared for reasons no-one has been able to make clear.

... and there are probably more to come, they are adjusting for "market conditions." I will ensure I mention that to them when things have picked up again and I fancy a rate rise mid-contract.

Presumably you would have no qualms about asking for a rate increase if you had multiple offers from other companies? so why shouldnt your employer request the same when the markets are not so good?

[Fred Bloggs]

I should add that my clientco also made megabucks last year. Personally I think they're using the credit crunch as an excuse to take the piss.

Yes, but that won't stop them trying to make even more mega bucks at your expense if they so choose.