Reply to: if you don't like your contract, then what?

[Amiga500]

If you start a 6 month contract then realise after a few weeks you don't like it, what would you do? It's especially hard to move to another one somewhere else if there's a month notice on your side of the deal. Do you just stick it out for 6 months then move on after they refuse to pay you at least £100/day more on renewal?

Start a big argument with a permie over email, include any heads of department on the cc line. You'll get a call from the agent within a couple of days and immediate termination. This works, trust me.

[AlfredJPruffock]

well another recruiter told me about another contract that pays twice my rate and sounds more interesting plus better location

I forsee a lot of this sudden quitting of contracts as contractors who accepted low rates will - of course - jump at the prospect of being offered a rate which is more realistic for the market.

The upshot - dissatisfied client.

[zamzummim]

Do whatever is best interest for your company havign a happy director/employees is good for the company, but having happy satisfied clients is also in the company's best interest!

[BrilloPad]

If you start a 6 month contract then realise after a few weeks you don't like it, what would you do? It's especially hard to move to another one somewhere else if there's a month notice on your side of the deal. Do you just stick it out for 6 months then move on after they refuse to pay you at least £100/day more on renewal?

I had it happen to me once : I walked. Then I hid the job on my cv.

[TykeMerc]

When I start a new contract I stop looking at job boards and discussing anything with agents for at least the first two months, a month before Its up I start putting feelers out again.
I don't want to see the perfect job at twice my current rate on my doorstep advertised - so I shut my eyes.
I have signed a contract and I will stick to it, call me old fashioned, but that's how I am.

What she said.

I despise contractors who dump a current contract commitment purely for a slightly prettier one. It's people who do that that have tarred all contractors with a "fly by night, unreliable" reputation which we all have to fight against.

I thought you religious types were supposed to uphold a moral code, surely sticking to your promises is a moral issue.

[Numptycorner]

Wwgd?

[contractor79]

Harden the **** up...

I'm already loaded after 3+ years as a permitractor. Money less of a factor now, enjoyment of work and the people there means more. So, I can't be bothered working alongside or for tulipholes.

[RichardCranium]

... hand in your notice ... someone to take your place ... Strangely, the super job you were told about will vanish.

This is why I frequent CUK for advice. I get called cynical, devious, underhand, calculating and manipulating.

Then someone points out how much lower agents are.

[sasguru]

If you start a 6 month contract then realise after a few weeks you don't like it, what would you do?

Was your god's answer unsatisfactory so you had to come to CUK?

[Moscow Mule]

If you start a 6 month contract then realise after a few weeks you don't like it, what would you do?

Harden the **** up...

[Pogle]

When I start a new contract I stop looking at job boards and discussing anything with agents for at least the first two months, a month before Its up I start putting feelers out again.
I don't want to see the perfect job at twice my current rate on my doorstep advertised - so I shut my eyes.
I have signed a contract and I will stick to it, call me old fashioned, but that's how I am.

[Fred Bloggs]

Only leave if it is a MUCH MUCH better contract than the one you are on. For instance if it is going to get you through the next year and the current contract is for a month.

IMO, many clients would be quite happy for you to walk if that was the case even if they felt let down by you.

[The Lone Gunman]

well another recruiter told me about another contract that pays twice my rate and sounds more interesting plus better location, but due to month's notice on this dull contract then that would count against my application as they need someone NOW

could they, or perhaps more importantly would they chase after someone who just walks out on a contract after being there a month or two? as in many contracts it takes few weeks just to get started

The "other" recruiter wants you to hand in your notice. He can then ring the firm "on spec" and surprisingly there will be a vacancy. He will offer to fill it at a lower rate and will find someone to take your place. Thus he is earning something from a place where he was earning nothing.
Strangely, the super job you were told about will vanish.

I would always say honour your commiments, but if you are truely unhappy then you are probably not doing a good job so it might be better all round to walk.
As others have said, talk to the client and negotiate rather than doing one.
If you just cant stand it then you could always start a punch up or touch up the secretary.

[BlackenedBiker]

professional liar

You are considering going into breach of contract with all the pain that might entail just to earn the agent some commission?

Do. Not. Do. It.

Beware: the grass is always greener...

WHS +1000000

Only leave if it is a MUCH MUCH better contract than the one you are on. For instance if it is going to get you through the next year and the current contract is for a month. Otherwise it probably best to count your blessings and keep your head down and pimp the CV with new skills and glowing references

[SlimRick]

Bring in the substitution clause and take on the new contract whilst taking a percentage of your subs rate