Reply to: Square Peg - Round Hole

[nomadd]

Quite right Dear.

Chin up and invoice at all times.

Tis the contractor's way.

Fixed.

[andyc2000]

And if you don't know how to do something, someone else will, usually to be found at the end an internet search. You could look at this as a learning opportunity?

[cojak]

Not unusual this, often see 'mission creep' on contracts, although this does look extreme.
Don't sit there panicking, break down all the current work requirements into a list of individual tasks. Be honest about what you are able to do, what you can have a crack at and what is a total no-no.
Go and see someone with this list(PM or clientco manager) and say you need some assistance to bring these all home as they are beyond your current knowledge. Don't whinge about wrong job spec, didn't sign up for this etc etc Contractors are expected to be the ultimate flexible resource so don't sound like a permie who won't do anything until they have been on a training course.
A decent client will appreciate the warning in advance of any deadline, even if they roll their eyes a bit at the news.
Could cost you the job but so will not producing anything and not telling them you can't.
YOU will feel better after this and either way this won't be your last ever job.

WLS.

Excellent summary there...

[cojak]

That's some sound advice, I may give it a shot. At least that way I've been completely transparent with ClientCo and it heightens my chances of a return/extension. They of course could just get a new techincal resource in and give me the boot - all part of being a contractor I guess...

Quite right Dear.

Chin up and look 'em in the eye at all times.

Tis the contractor's way.

[MCC7]

Not unusual this, often see 'mission creep' on contracts, although this does look extreme.
Don't sit there panicking, break down all the current work requirements into a list of individual tasks. Be honest about what you are able to do, what you can have a crack at and what is a total no-no.
Go and see someone with this list(PM or clientco manager) and say you need some assistance to bring these all home as they are beyond your current knowledge. Don't whinge about wrong job spec, didn't sign up for this etc etc Contractors are expected to be the ultimate flexible resource so don't sound like a permie who won't do anything until they have been on a training course.
A decent client will appreciate the warning in advance of any deadline, even if they roll their eyes a bit at the news.
Could cost you the job but so will not producing anything and not telling them you can't.
YOU will feel better after this and either way this won't be your last ever job.

Again, some really good advice there. This is roughly the approach I've been taking so hopefully this will stand in good stead with ClientCo.


Who said this forum was all about sarcastic responses and bullying!?

[lukemg]

Not unusual this, often see 'mission creep' on contracts, although this does look extreme.
Don't sit there panicking, break down all the current work requirements into a list of individual tasks. Be honest about what you are able to do, what you can have a crack at and what is a total no-no.
Go and see someone with this list(PM or clientco manager) and say you need some assistance to bring these all home as they are beyond your current knowledge. Don't whinge about wrong job spec, didn't sign up for this etc etc Contractors are expected to be the ultimate flexible resource so don't sound like a permie who won't do anything until they have been on a training course.
A decent client will appreciate the warning in advance of any deadline, even if they roll their eyes a bit at the news.
Could cost you the job but so will not producing anything and not telling them you can't.
YOU will feel better after this and either way this won't be your last ever job.

[MCC7]

The only other thing I would do in your shoes is highlight the risk and potential fall out to the customer but put a position spin on it that your skills are good and valuable but you really feel someone with extra skills is required else you will fail. Again if you can spin it to show value to the customer rather than a problem he might listen. The old addage, give him a solution not a problem. Clients tend to throw so much money at failing projects another techinical bod won't break the bank.

That's some sound advice, I may give it a shot. At least that way I've been completely transparent with ClientCo and it heightens my chances of a return/extension. They of course could just get a new techincal resource in and give me the boot - all part of being a contractor I guess...

[inferno]

Not that simple, if I'm not producing, I risk the boot...

But you say you can't leave so, as you said, you'll just have to get on with it.

[cojak]

I am in a situation where I have been put onto a role within a project that is a complete mismatch of skills. Without getting into too much detail, its a technical role that you wouldn't hire me for if you actually looked at my CV. Not the agency's fault as they were hiring against a pretty generic spec. Very much a square peg - round hole situation.

I have been completely transparent with clientco about this and have continued to give my best shot at the task in hand, although it really is at a point where I can take it no further. A specialist in the area would have completed the task by now I'm sure, whereas I'm struggling.

Any advice? Anyone been in a similar situation? Have you just slugged to the end of the contract? The risk of doing so is that you produce something sub-standard and tarnish your name?

I've just entered into month 2 of an initial 3 BTW...

You're a contractor now for heaven's sake - man up!

Watch this: ‪Searching Part Deux‬‏ - YouTube

And remember 2 of the contactor's mottos:

"you can never under-estimate people enough"
And
"barely adequate is good enough"

(both non-pc versions of current dogmas if you know them)

Get on with it!!

[northernladuk]

Not sure at what level you are working and how much power you have but...

Why not try and re-write the work structure, write yourself in to a position you can add value and create a new position that will be able to complete the work. You may need a workstream lead that could look after other projects in the same area to provide end to end service but to do this you would have to back fill yourself with.. a techincal whatever you were supposed to be... Taadaaa.... Sorted

A long shot but worth it.

The only other thing I would do in your shoes is highlight the risk and potential fall out to the customer but put a position spin on it that your skills are good and valuable but you really feel someone with extra skills is required else you will fail. Again if you can spin it to show value to the customer rather than a problem he might listen. The old addage, give him a solution not a problem. Clients tend to throw so much money at failing projects another techinical bod won't break the bank.

[MCC7]

There's your answer

Not that simple, if I'm not producing, I risk the boot...

[kingcook]

I'm not sure I can just "draw a line" unfortunately, this is my first contract role so financially I would need to see it out.

There's your answer

[Wanderer]

have been completely transparent with clientco about this and have continued to give my best shot at the task in hand, although it really is at a point where I can take it no further. A specialist in the area would have completed the task by now I'm sure, whereas I'm struggling.

It's tough all right and I've felt scared and like I wanted to give up at times but I'm glad I slugged it out and got there in the end. Stick with it if you possibly can (especially if the money is good!) but if it's a complete loss then start looking for the next contract...

[MCC7]

Did you have an interview?

I'm not sure what I'd do. I've been pulled onto something way, way over and above the spec I was given. If I had known I would have gone for a far higher rate. Taking the tulip.

What I would say though if you're resenting it and it's showing it's probably better to draw a line under it and move on.

Yes I had a phone interview, against the generic job spec. I'm not sure I can just "draw a line" unfortunately, this is my first contract role so financially I would need to see it out. If I do really come out and say I've hit the wall with it, I risk being on the bench within two months of going contracting...Not what I was hoping for.

[ee61re]

Do you know anyone who could do the job, who you could sub in?

(Out of curiosity - what technologies are involved?)