Reply to: Contracted terminated 3 weeks before end/Client Behaviour

[lilelvis2000]

To leave on a top secret mission for MI6?

Perhaps that explains the SPAM e-mails I get from Sir John Sawers!

[lilelvis2000]

Blimey. Why?

Didn't ask, and not interested in knowing. I already was working on another contract so just rang them and said I was available full-time now.

[MaryPoppins]

Interesting....I remember my last contract. My manager phoned me (he was in Laaandan you see) to inform me I was to leave immediately. I logged out, closed my bag, grabbed my coat and left.

Blimey. Why?

[kandr]

Interesting....I remember my last contract. My manager phoned me (he was in Laaandan you see) to inform me I was to leave immediately. I logged out, closed my bag, grabbed my coat and left.

To leave on a top secret mission for MI6?

[lilelvis2000]

Interesting....I remember my last contract. My manager phoned me (he was in Laaandan you see) to inform me I was to leave immediately. I logged out, closed my bag, grabbed my coat and left.

[kandr]

If you have no work to do, then its bad management, I am in a similar position, and those that are trying to blame you are doing the usual buck passing. One of the contractors here tried to be proactive and the manager told him off . Make a note of the client and avoid it in the future. Just keep invoicing until end of contract.

[Wilmslow]

Plus often you need to work to internal procedures etc, standards, - its not just a case of coming up with your own work plan - it needs input and support from other people.

Of course there are internal procedures. Have you asked the right people what those procedures are? Have you asked how you can help, or are you just assuming wrongly? Are you trying to re-invent existing procedures and rubbing people up the wrong way?

I am speaking from experience and someone who has made those mistakes in the earlier years, and have changed sides to working in the governance department.

Hunt out the Project Support / Quality peeps and get friendly with them. If you get on great, and they share your concerns about the project, they may well get another PM to take you on board.

I will not say good luck, but, make wise decisions and get a positive attitude to get you through.

[cojak]

Three words...

Desktop Tower Defense

JPM paid me a lot of money to get that high score.

<whips out pencil, takes note>

[minestrone]

Three words...

Desktop Tower Defense

JPM paid me a lot of money to get that high score.

[cojak]

But it seems there are too many managers who want contractors, or subordinates in general to do everything for them. The word proactive seems to be a general purpose word for management who dump lots of untrained, unprepared resources and just hope for the best, rather than actively managing anything.

And long may it continue! That's what keeps me in contract!

[MarillionFan]

And sitting there saying "please sir can I have some more work" puts you in with the permies.

Look - I realise it isn't easy and being proactive (which you have been accused of not being) will rub some people up the wrong way, but you really don't have anything to lose by trying do you?

Unlike a permie, if you find yourself sidelined you cannot sit on the fence or sit on your arse. You'll be noticed(as would a permie). But in the case of a permie they can't be let go and so a manager has to get his act together or find themselves in the tulip themself.

That isn't the case with a contractor. Basically if you find that a contractor doesn't have the skills, or is not proactive enough, or doesn't produce the work you want, or you're a tulip manager / you can't manage and so don't get anything or either of you can't be arsed. Then. You're gone! Simple.

The best contractors will do the work they are hired for. They will attempt to 'upsell' their skills and get involved in all aspects of a project. The even better ones schmooze not only the client, but other possible internal clients so they have contingency. If you fall out with Manager A, Manager B will take you on. etc etc.

If all this fails or you don't have the ability to get in with a client, then move on. Plenty more fish in the sea.

[Zippy]

But it seems there are too many managers who want contractors, or subordinates in general to do everything for them. The word proactive seems to be a general purpose word for management who dump lots of untrained, unprepared resources and just hope for the best, rather than actively managing anything.

And sitting there saying "please sir can I have some more work" puts you in with the permies.

Look - I realise it isn't easy and being proactive (which you have been accused of not being) will rub some people up the wrong way, but you really don't have anything to lose by trying do you?

[mark23823]

Yes I agree you need to sell your services, and have your own plan of work, but its not like you can bid for work or control what work your given, your paid an hourly rate and what you work is decided by your bosses. Plus often you need to work to internal procedures etc, standards, - its not just a case of coming up with your own work plan - it needs input and support from other people.

But it seems there are too many managers who want contractors, or subordinates in general to do everything for them. The word proactive seems to be a general purpose word for management who dump lots of untrained, unprepared resources and just hope for the best, rather than actively managing anything.

[norrahe]

Grit your teeth, turn up, keep invoicing and look for another job, don't let them push you into resigning. It's only another 3 weeks after all.

WSS

It's often the case when they decide to end a contract early and there is continuing work that you will get sidelined, only thing you can do is continue to do your job the best you can and find summat else.

[Zippy]

Oh dear. You really have to manage your client.

It's no good just sitting there and expecting them to tell you what to do - you really have to be prepared to step up and offer your own plan of work.

You are really lucky you are getting paid to twiddle your thumbs, but for future reference you should think about shifting your attitude to a more sales-oriented one.