Reply to: I want to break free

[Shotto]

I have just started a new contact near home after a long time living away....the role and company stink to high heaven! But, smile and invoice is a good mantra!
Today I worked from home but went fishing!

[NickNick]

Smile and invoice.

Chill and bill...

[TopBanana]

I am currently looking for a job close to home and after working 3 gigs at least 50 miles away from home I would be happy to be in your situation.

My new contract is an hour's commute, but even so I'm much happier.

[Stan.goodvibes]

Follow-up one year later...

I lined up a new role before explaining to my client that I wasn't happy continuing. They were pretty cool about it, and I'm much happier where I am now. Working with smart people, on a better rate, and I've been offered another 6 months. Sometimes it pays to speak up

Result! I think the key part of your comment is "I lined up a new role before explaining to my client that I wasn't happy continuing". Unless things are diabolical NEVER voluntarily bail on a contract without having another one to go to. It's much easier to find a great role when you aren't on the bench panicking.

[NorthWestPerm2Contr]

I am currently looking for a job close to home and after working 3 gigs at least 50 miles away from home I would be happy to be in your situation.

[TopBanana]

Follow-up one year later...

I lined up a new role before explaining to my client that I wasn't happy continuing. They were pretty cool about it, and I'm much happier where I am now. Working with smart people, on a better rate, and I've been offered another 6 months. Sometimes it pays to speak up

[ronanm]

I had an interview recently for a Consulting client whose UK HR Manager had a ******* hotmail account. A consultancy was going to work with a Bank in Edinburgh. The guy from the Consultancy rang me. I think he was Indian and was a Director in the Consultancy - the phone reception kep breaking up and he seemed to be getting really p1ssed off with me. Anyway, we only spoke for 5 minutes and he excalimed "I'm really looking forward to working with you." I was shocked that that was it. It was a PM role in IT/Finance working "exclusively" with the back office in Singapore. I contacted a mate who worked with the Bank and he said the area where I would be working was a shambles and to stay well clear. Sounded like the only wanted bodies in hindsight - thankfully I exited the interview process sharpish.

[lukemg]

Where is all this fun, interesting, stretching, experience enhancing work in great places with 'fun' people that people expect on here ? I have seen precious few instances of this, perm or contract and would consider them a bonus. I would not walk off this job without another one lined up, I did that once and spent 4 very boring months getting splinters. By all means offer suggestions or opinions but don't go all perm and sulk if they are rejected. I would give it a few weeks, I have had a few jobs that really picked up as I got to know a few decent people. Can always have a look round anyway, see if there is a better offer.

[Drewster]

You've got to give it more than a week..... I won't say all gigs start out bad...... but a lot do!

[JoJoGabor]

I was in this exact same dilmema two years ago with a public sector client. I couldnt take it. I quit and moved on as I had already had 6 months off travelling and really needed to brush up my experience, which I just wasnt getting. I knew if I was there for long I'd have trouble getting the next role, particularly in banking. Make the move, follow your gut.

[ChloeRadshaw]

I've just started a new contract fairly close to home. The money's OK too. Apart from that, it's a complete disaster. They haven't a clue what they're doing and they're scared to change, and to stand up to certain micro-managers higher up. I've only been there a week but I can feel my IQ dropping and stress levels going in the other direction.

There's no notice clause in the 6 month contract. On the other hand, it's in nobody's interests for me to stay. I've never been in this situation before, and it feels a little unprofessional to leave them in the lurch. Has anyone been in this situation before? Any advice?

I am in this position myself - I just bill each week and watch the clock

[VectraMan]

There's no notice clause in the 6 month contract. On the other hand, it's in nobody's interests for me to stay. I've never been in this situation before, and it feels a little unprofessional to leave them in the lurch. Has anyone been in this situation before? Any advice?

Can you send me as a substitute? I'd quite happily take my laptop and do my own work on a client's site for money.

If you have no ability to give notice (as opposed to not having to give notice which is different), there's not a lot you can do apart from try to explain the situation and see if they'll let you go. Though FWIW, I've started out hating all my gigs, even the ones that I've been sad to leave at the end. One week is nothing, and thinking about the money can get you through almost anything.

[escapeUK]

Its 6 months. Ive worked in a permie role like that for years!!

When you have done 6 years work with people you despise, with no real work to do you get used to it. Obviously i wouldnt go back to that.

But if someone wanted me to do it for 6 months for what double, triple a permie salary then I would.

[MarillionFan]

Hmmm, its ok people to say keep invoicing but some of us like to think we have professional stadards. I agree clients can get rid of us at the drop of a hat but that's up to them. Because they act like dickheads does that mean we have to as well?

Im not sure. There are other things to consider not least your own sanity and how roles like this can drag you down. If you take an 'ah **** it' attitude, you'll soon find it cropping up in other aspects of that tough piece of work you have to get completed asap and you say 'ah **** it. Its not my best but why bother?' Erm because we're supposed to be professionals, that's why.

If a job is tulip, I'd say look to get out asap so long as you have something else lined up. If you cant terminate the contract, either get a sub in or work the contract but dont renew.

I've a friend in a similar position and have told them pretty much the same.

Well yes and no. At the end of the day it's your choice whether you place 'your standards' higher than 'your contract rate'. I think it's swings and roundabouts. If you're happy with the cash, then ride the train. If you hate it or feel you are being compromised then jack it and take another one. So when Dim says, keep invoicing. It means just that!! But don't be a flouncer and put the cash above your professional aspirations if you have nothing to go to. No sympathy for benchers with morals IMHO!.

[BolshieBastard]

Hmmm, its ok people to say keep invoicing but some of us like to think we have professional stadards. I agree clients can get rid of us at the drop of a hat but that's up to them. Because they act like dickheads does that mean we have to as well?

Im not sure. There are other things to consider not least your own sanity and how roles like this can drag you down. If you take an 'ah **** it' attitude, you'll soon find it cropping up in other aspects of that tough piece of work you have to get completed asap and you say 'ah **** it. Its not my best but why bother?' Erm because we're supposed to be professionals, that's why.

If a job is tulip, I'd say look to get out asap so long as you have something else lined up. If you cant terminate the contract, either get a sub in or work the contract but dont renew.

I've a friend in a similar position and have told them pretty much the same.