Reply to: How to Decline A Contract Extension?

[billybiro]

Your 6 month contract is only as long as the notice period within it. Dont assume your 6 months will last 6 months just because that is what the contract period is.

This is, of course, completely true but a rather redundant point to make.

His other contract is for 1 month and there is no guarantee that that contract will run it's full course either.

Given the choice of either, it's probably safer to go for the 6 monther as there's a fair likelihood that it'll last at least 1 month (i.e. at least as long as his other contract) and probably quite a bit longer.

[proggy]

WOOOOOOSSSSSSHHHHHHH!

Ummmmm OK.

[BolshieBastard]

Every contract I have had, and every contractor I have known has had their contract with the Agency not the Client. Are you even a contractor? You sound more like a temp with a bad attitude.

WOOOOOOSSSSSSHHHHHHH!

[proggy]

Utter rubbish. How long have you been contracting?

Every contract I have had, and every contractor I have known has had their contract with the Agency not the Client. Are you even a contractor? You sound more like a temp with a bad attitude.

[BolshieBastard]

Do everything contract related through the Agent, otherwise wire can get crossed. You don't have a contract with the client.

Utter rubbish. How long have you been contracting?

[psychocandy]

Agree with much of the above. Would add that declining a contract extension offer is one of the more enjoyable aspects of contracting. It means that you're on the front foot and taking control of your business. The opposite is when you reach the last day of your current contract desperately hoping the client may decide to extend.

Personally, I can't wait for the day with my current client where they fanny around again, then on the last day they offer me a month extension and I turn it down because I've got something else lined up. Then watch them go nuts....

Alas, this hasn't happened yet so I've got to bite my tongue and take the money.

[twocontract]

Agree with much of the above. Would add that declining a contract extension offer is one of the more enjoyable aspects of contracting. It means that you're on the front foot and taking control of your business. The opposite is when you reach the last day of your current contract desperately hoping the client may decide to extend.

[Tealer]

Just slip out the back, Jack, make a new plan, Stan
Don't need to be coy, Roy, just listen to me
Hop on the bus, Gus, don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee, and get yourself free

HTH

Well, the deed is done. Client and agent quite understanding, so we move on.

[Troll]

Sorry if this is a bit of a numpty question.
Ok, been contracting for the past 2 years, and the first 3 contracts were all great, kept getting extensions etc.
Now, I took on an initial 1 month contract with a new company, and they have offered me an additional month.
In the meantime (same day as the extension offer), I have been offered a 6 month contract with another company.
Now, I know for business and personal reasons the 6 month is the better offer.
So, I need to politely decline the 1 month extension offer, which is just waiting for me to sign.
My question is, who do I approach to decline the offer, the client or the agency?
I've never been in the position where I've had to let the client down by not extending. I know I have to put my business head on, but just wonder how to handle the situation?
Any advice appreciated.

Just slip out the back, Jack, make a new plan, Stan
Don't need to be coy, Roy, just listen to me
Hop on the bus, Gus, don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee, and get yourself free

HTH

[jmo21]

I've heard so many stories of agencies being so poor in their communications with clients, or even simply flat out lying to end client about a contractors end date.

I've not been in this situation myself, but if I was, I'd let the agent know (in writing by post is what my current contract requires), and then immediately inform my end client contact myself.

[SueEllen]

Do everything contract related through the Agent, otherwise wire can get crossed. You don't have a contract with the client.

It doesn't work like that unfortunately loads of agencies are just sh*t and don't think their role involves communication.

With one client when I attempted to tell the agent first they are responded - "Tell the client" and they didn't bothered to contact the client at all.

This is why others on here get p*ssed off with agents doing nothing for their money apart from invoice factoring.

On the other hand with that particular client if they offered me a contract extension they told me first.

The agent then would arrange the extension two weeks before the current contract was up then hassle me to sign it immediately.

[Tealer]

What everyone says is right but why do feel you're letting them down by not accepting an extension?

I think this is maybe the mentality I need to get past. At the end of the day, when they are done with me, that will be it and vice versa. This is a business relationship after all!

[proggy]

Do everything contract related through the Agent, otherwise wire can get crossed. You don't have a contract with the client.

[psychocandy]

What everyone says is right but why do feel you're letting them down by not accepting an extension?

Thats just weird. An extension is just that - no obligation from anyone. If the client had decided the original work would take longer they should have offered a longer period up front surely?

But then there are clients who think they can do this month thing because it suits them for whatever reason and then still expect the contractor to stay when THEY want. Then they get all aggrieved if said contractors says no thanks.

Hope yours is a bit more sensible than some.

and BTW - I'd tell agent first then maybe tell the client directly rather than letting them hear from agent.

[Tealer]

Your 6 month contract is only as long as the notice period within it. Dont assume your 6 months will last 6 months just because that is what the contract period is.

All you do is tell the agent you are not extending with the current client. I'd also tell the client you are not extending.

Dont get into any arguments with the agent (or client!). If they want to know the reason its up to you whether you say what you want or decline to give a reason.

BolshieBastard - speaking to my father in law, he also suggested not getting into the reasons. Just politely decline and say my circumstances have changed.

Thanks for the advice to you all. Just wanted another perspective as I'm sure you've been in the same boat at some point. You feel like you are letting your client down, but your business head decides what is best for you / your company.