Reply to: Grrrrr.....

[mcquiggd]

...

I have the MCSD.Net C# track (web apps, windows apps, web services and components, solution architectures, sql server and Biztalk on top) - havent done the MSF one but might be worth a gander actually - im looking more at architect roles these days so might be another string to my bow....

A friend of mine is taking a compute science degree and it seems from my industry background I might be able to get away with a basic degree in a year and an honours degree in two - maybe even less. Its something ive decided to look into as it might lead on to other options...

[Francko]

Cheers for the good wishes TL....

As for overcharging, well, they interviewed me, made me take a transcender, got a Technical Architect to question me, looked at my 13 years industry experience and qualifications (Ive worked for MS and have a pretty full set of MCPs) and they were happy to pay me a high rate that for 5 months - I didnt ask for it, they offered it to me to get me.

They were also happy to renew me for another 6 months on that rate, but then suddenly, having signed the contract, tried to pressure me into taking less.

[...]

Good luck with your health. I am sure that with your strong and positive attitude you don't need luck at work. You just wonder how people can't just be straight and honest withouth incurring in all sort of slimey expedients.

A full set of MCPs? All of them? :-)

Have you done 70-300 and 70-301? To me they look more like very advanced english language exams rather than anything else :-)

[mcquiggd]

...

Still, it sounds like by your own admission you have been overcharging a tad.

all the best,
tl

Cheers for the good wishes TL....

As for overcharging, well, they interviewed me, made me take a transcender, got a Technical Architect to question me, looked at my 13 years industry experience and qualifications (Ive worked for MS and have a pretty full set of MCPs) and they were happy to pay me a high rate that for 5 months - I didnt ask for it, they offered it to me to get me.

They were also happy to renew me for another 6 months on that rate, but then suddenly, having signed the contract, tried to pressure me into taking less.

As we all know, its a business from both sides, so if they cant budget properly thats their fault... its my decision to stay or leave and frankly its very unlikely I would stay as they now effectively said im on a weekly rolling contract ... as soon as they think they are running short of cash they will simply can me, so I am loking elsewhere...

Thats the market at work....

[mcquiggd]

Hmmm, Atos Origin by any chance??

Now I couldnt possibly comment on whether, or not, the company is AO, the French owned consultancy that amalgamated Sema and several other outfits and specialises in Health Care in Scotland, as of course this is a public forum....

I have an interview on Monday afternoon with an investment bank in Luxembourg - a friend of mine who is a BA in an asset management company knows several friends who work for them and it sounds as if they wont try to play me.... as always though, its the risk we take .....

[Mailman]

Hey, seeing as Gordo considers you a permanent employee you should take them to the employment tribunal and do them for constructive dismissal!

Mailman

[n5gooner]

sell the story to the papers, wanting to shorted contract due to cancer! unreal!

[ASB]

The project is funded by the Scottish Executive and no way are they short of cash

Send me your account number and sort code. I'll pay the 100 quid into there. Save all the bother of sending it to gordon and having him send it on to you.

[thunderlizard]

"the courtesy of an extra two weeks to decide if you want me to stay beyond the end of this contract" - gosh I wouldn't have done that. Better I think to have the time pressures on your side. Amazing how the prospect of having nobody to do the work on Monday can turn up some spare cash on the previous Friday.
It does look like very scrappy clutching-at-straws negotiating on their part, so try not to sink to their level. If people want you to lower your rate they should have a reason (not 'I want to pay less') and even then be able to offer something comparable in return. Still, it sounds like by your own admission you have been overcharging a tad.

all the best,
tl

[WageSlave]

Sorry to hear about your problem, mcquiggd. I hope you make a speedy recovery, and all the best for the future.

Btw, I'm sure it's not a useful suggestion, but do you really want to work with people who easily resort to such tactics? Look for a less dirty environment.

[HankWangford]

Atos

Hmmm, Atos Origin by any chance??

[~Craig~]

How can a person stoop that low? I say take 'em to the cleaners.....but not at the cost of personal stress

[vetran]

hang em high

McQuidd

Sorry to hear about the cancer.

Get the scumbags, but don't let it distract you from your health.

[AtW]

If you are sure in your hand then play it to your advantage -- the fact that they actually had indecency to even mention cancer as negotiating tactic to drop the rate is so low that they deserve all they get.

[Lucifer Box]

Sorry to hear about your woes, Mquiggd. Stick to your guns and to the signed contract and, as Milan says, don't let the stress get to you. It ain't worth it.

[milanbenes]

Hello Mquiggd,

nice to see you pop in.

Unfortunately Benes Invoicing Ltd is working today, hence posting here.

Very sorry to hear about your cancer.

Don't let them stress you, health is more important than money.

Milan.