Reply to: Forgot to renew

[Halcyon]

We're also used to the rate, which hasn't changed in those 4 years either !

It's probably back down to where it should have been now anyway

I've had the renewal thing many times with last big client. I always "manage" my end and arrange meetings to discuss, but one particular manager was pretty useless at contacting HR and doing their bit. I did agree terms for one renewal only to speak to the agent on a Friday and be told that he had no paperwork. Phoned on the Monday, told them that I "wouldn't be insured" unless I had a contract, and had a very enjoyable week off.

[Board Game Geek]

At our place, the contractors usually get told 2-3 days before end of contract that we're being renewed for another 12 weeks.

They've done this for over 4 years now, so we're all pretty much used to it.

We're also used to the rate, which hasn't changed in those 4 years either !

[RichardCranium]

I did it on purpose. My first contract was with BT and it had a "no termination clause". I hated that gig. I kept quiet about the renewal and it didn't turn up. About mid-morning I got a call from the client who gave me a right bollocking and sacked me.

I expect to have to remind the client & agent about renewals. I used to leave it until the last few days; now I remind them a month before and then each week.

The big mystery for me is how an agency can not have a system for reminding them to arrange the renewals. You'd think that when they're getting 20% of £400 for six months, they'd find a few quid to invest in a wall calendar.

[Bright Spark]

happened to me a couple of years ago, I didn't want to remind them as I
was trying to find another gig, after a couple of days the agent called me
and said client is concerned why you haven't called or turned up for work.

At which point I told him contract was finished without renewal, in approx
45 mins i got a renewal in my inbox and so went back next day as I there was
no other gig or offers.

[NickFitz]

Once when I was working mainly from home and had been renewed every month for over a year I phoned the agent on Tuesday afternoon to let him know that the paperwork hadn't come through for that month's renewal.

"Oh, didn't anybody tell you? They didn't renew - you finished last Friday. Thanks for your great work <click>"

[VectraMan]

It sort of happened to me. I'd agreed to do another month, but this was just before Christmas and the manager was on holiday moving house the final week and nothing got sorted. I tried to call him and the agent over Christmas week, but couldn't get hold of either, so with no offical contract or confirmation stayed at home first day in January. Got a phone call about 10 am: "where are you?".

Went in for the next day.

[sweetandsour]

I should explain.

It's not happened yet but I can see it coming - this clientco is a pretty disfunctional place.

Not the greatest gig I've been on - I would be more than happy to let it slide and walk off.

I can see them phoning up a few days later.... might put me in an entertaining negotiating position.

Fair enough. I will retract my

[d000hg]

Isn't it pretty unprofessional not to organise a final meeting, wrapping up, etc? Schedule the meeting the day before your last day and mention casually somehow about other work.

[moorfield]

I cannot begin to understand how you could have let this happen.

I should explain.

It's not happened yet but I can see it coming - this clientco is a pretty disfunctional place.

Not the greatest gig I've been on - I would be more than happy to let it slide and walk off.

I can see them phoning up a few days later.... might put me in an entertaining negotiating position.

[sweetandsour]

Anyone ever worked on a gig where clientco simply forgot to renew, and walked off only to receive a call a few days later - "Er, where are you?"

I cannot begin to understand how you could have let this happen.

[minestrone]

Very nearly happened to me on Friday, except someone said to the manager "ehh, you know he is leaving today"

5 seconds later he comes up to me "I really need you in on Monday".

I should have screwed them for a rate rise.

[d000hg]

Maybe a chance to say "oh, well I'm making other arrangements... I can come back but I need to renegotiate my rate". Of course you might get the boot but then someone else can take your place, and be happy

[Hawkeye]

I normally chase extensions at least 4-6 weeks beforehand. They always take time and it is best to be proactive.

[Pondlife]

Anyone ever worked on a gig where clientco simply forgot to renew, and walked off only to receive a call a few days later - "Er, where are you?"

and you didn't think to remind them.

[Moscow Mule]

I try to actively manage my client expectations and needs so, er, no.