Reply to: 8 days left on contract, can I just walk...

[ratewhore]

But that won`t go down well, days 'not in' should be negotiated.

Not where I am, but I appreciate that's just my experience and others will differ...

[SuperZ]

So, in this case, all you need to do is tell your line manager you are not in for those days.

Is it a good idea? Only you will know...

But that won`t go down well, days 'not in' should be negotiated.

Again based on Ratewhores don`t lie approach, take it a little further and just be honest and tell them you want to leave a little earlier and hopefully they`ll let you go early. Or speak to new client and tell them you can start a few days later than origianlly planned.

Just think, you`re also representing contractors everywhere. Piss them off and they might be more relucant to use contractors in the future.

[ratewhore]

Yes you can just walk. No you don't have to lie to do it, man up instead.

Just because your contract says it's between day 1 and day 200 (for example), it doesn't say you have work every day. It says you need to have a signed timesheet for the days you work.

So, in this case, all you need to do is tell your line manager you are not in for those days.

Is it a good idea? Only you will know...

[stingman123]

Pass your role onto me and waltz into your new role

HTH

[JustMe]

Just ask for an increase of your money. 50%

[Turion]

Go sick or similar 'bull' excuse as suggested earlier. Never say anything about the new gig.

The problem with being honest and trying to negotiate early exit is that you have to show your cards and you give them a chance to say no. If they do say no, then what - you will leave anyway and your bridge is burnt, and they may give problems like not signing the last timesheet.

[BlasterBates]

that's baloney they'll just get another contractor, especially easy at the moment. Try and give them a few days for a handover, and offer a few weekends, or odd days.

[Manic]

Can you not stay where you are with a rate increase to cover travel? If that is the only consideration.

[BrilloPad]

Could you use your right of substitution?

[adamv6]

Cheers for the advice.

Unfortunately, the start date on the new contract is non-neg.

My work isn't finished, in fact the project is due to run through til Sept 2011!

Even if they offered me a new extension and I refused that they would be well and truly up the creek anyway.

[NotAllThere]

...8 days left on contract, can I just walk... .

Professionally and with integrity? No.

I'd talk to my current client, or negotiate a later start at the new one. But then I work in sector where names get known.

[beemarman]

Tell them that a family member has become very ill (e.g. wife, kids, etc) and say that you need to spend time with them. Or, as already suggested, develop some flu like symptoms.

The bridge may have been burnt by leaving early, but you never know... some people forget very quickly.

Don't use this as an excuse, just incase it really does happen. That's my 2c advise

[BrilloPad]

Wont the new contract wait another 8 days?

[thunderlizard]

It depends whether you've finished your work or not!

[pmeswani]

Been with ClientCo for 18months (initial 6 & 2 extensions). This time the paperwork for the extension is taking an age, and to be honest, I don't want to hit the 2yr boundary.

Been offered another contract, but starts before this one ends.

Given that I have a few days left, what would the implications of just walking be? Direct line manager might be p1ssed, but PM's have already said they will give me enough glowing refs to sink a small frigate.

Tell them that a family member has become very ill (e.g. wife, kids, etc) and say that you need to spend time with them. Or, as already suggested, develop some flu like symptoms.

The bridge may have been burnt by leaving early, but you never know... some people forget very quickly.