Peers extended for 3 months more than me :/

[nomadd]

is this something to do with having enough stashed so it works for you (ie living off interest)?

Nope, that side of things is well taken care of.

In terms of "company security", it's a question of having a big enough war chest to be able to live off that without digging into the other investments, including their interest. At least that's how I'm working things.

[2BIT]

Just hit exactly that.

is this something to do with having enough stashed so it works for you (ie living off interest)?

[nomadd]

The only job security I can realistically achieve is my own Ltd Co account with a nice round sum so I can keep on paying myself for another 10 years...

Just hit exactly that.

And the client has just come back with another 6 month renewal.

I've promised myself: The next time I "Hit The Bench", I won't give a sh..

Like you say, the only job security is via your own company.

[MarillionFan]

Not as bad as it sounds actually.
At the beginning of the contract I was offered a 6 months with a view to extend another 6 later, I told the agency it's a double edged sword as I might go for greener pastures so they offered me 12 months straight away!
That was great for a while, but the other folks who didn't negotiate have now extended for another 9 months, until the end of the year.
I won't know until late September, I'm not too bothered, but I wonder if perhaps I should ask my agency/agent if they know already? Anything wrong in doing that?

Do you get upset when buying stuff in shops. I negotiated down the shopkeeper by 10%, six months later it was in a sale for 25% off. I feel cheated.

[xchaotic]

You are sounding like a bit of a permietractor now.

Internally, they are probably reviewing things every 3 months to decide if they still have budget to keep you on. You could be canned at any time, don't go thinking that a 12 month contract is realistically any longer than your notice period. Stash as much as you can in the war chest, these are the good times but there may be difficult times ahead.

Wait until 6 weeks from the end of your contract and then prepare your case for getting extended. Absolutely no earlier than that. If you want job security then go permie.

I dare say I know my situation a bit better and no, they are only reviewing budgets annually.
I also disagree with permie = job security - yes you have the notice period, but you can still get sacked. The only job security I can realistically achieve is my own Ltd Co account with a nice round sum so I can keep on paying myself for another 10 years...

[Wanderer]

At the beginning of the contract I was offered a 6 months with a view to extend another 6 later, I told the agency it's a double edged sword as I might go for greener pastures so they offered me 12 months straight away!
That was great for a while, but the other folks who didn't negotiate have now extended for another 9 months, until the end of the year.

You are sounding like a bit of a permietractor now.

Internally, they are probably reviewing things every 3 months to decide if they still have budget to keep you on. You could be canned at any time, don't go thinking that a 12 month contract is realistically any longer than your notice period. Stash as much as you can in the war chest, these are the good times but there may be difficult times ahead.

Wait until 6 weeks from the end of your contract and then prepare your case for getting extended. Absolutely no earlier than that. If you want job security then go permie.

[BlasterBates]

No point, you signed a 12 month contract and they'll make their decision nearer the time.

The truth is they won't be able to give you a definite answer.

If there's a sudden downturn you'll be first out if not they'll probably renew.

[TestMangler]

Not as bad as it sounds actually.
At the beginning of the contract I was offered a 6 months with a view to extend another 6 later, I told the agency it's a double edged sword as I might go for greener pastures so they offered me 12 months straight away!
That was great for a while, but the other folks who didn't negotiate have now extended for another 9 months, until the end of the year.
I won't know until late September, I'm not too bothered, but I wonder if perhaps I should ask my agency/agent if they know already? Anything wrong in doing that?

What they said. Don't be so keen to show your hand. Your peers may have been saying "Why has he got 12 months and we've only got six" at the start.

PS - Don't take up playing poker......

[stek]

Remember too contract length means very little - they can can you next day....

[eek]

i'd say no, don't show your hand to them as you may be able to, force them to renegotiate your rate as they reach the critical phase.

FTFY

[2BIT]

Not as bad as it sounds actually.
At the beginning of the contract I was offered a 6 months with a view to extend another 6 later, I told the agency it's a double edged sword as I might go for greener pastures so they offered me 12 months straight away!
That was great for a while, but the other folks who didn't negotiate have now extended for another 9 months, until the end of the year.
I won't know until late September, I'm not too bothered, but I wonder if perhaps I should ask my agency/agent if they know already? Anything wrong in doing that?

i'd say no, don't show your hand to them as you may want to renegotiate your rate at that time

[xchaotic]

Not as bad as it sounds actually.
At the beginning of the contract I was offered a 6 months with a view to extend another 6 later, I told the agency it's a double edged sword as I might go for greener pastures so they offered me 12 months straight away!
That was great for a while, but the other folks who didn't negotiate have now extended for another 9 months, until the end of the year.
I won't know until late September, I'm not too bothered, but I wonder if perhaps I should ask my agency/agent if they know already? Anything wrong in doing that?