Comments on: How not to behave as a test contractor

By: Sam

Sam — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:51:41 +0000

hey there – good post for good times. then I read this :

”
BP is terminating the contracts of its entire IT freelance workforce and placing those who wish to stay on new ones stipulating they will work for significantly less.

The UK-based oil and gas group is requiring IT contractors to take a 10% cut in their daily rate with effect from March 1st, or risk losing their jobs to “replacements.”
”

You read the whole story here –> http://www.contractoruk.com/news/004204.html

Every contract has early termination clauses, which you can use to leave before its end date. And it works both ways. The thing is to be professional about it. We contractors (yes, I am one if you hadn’t guessed) do get more offers than permies, but we are duty bound to adhere to the terms of the deal.

So, I would amend your advice to say, if you have to leave a place, do it the right way, bu explaining to your agent/ company, that you have this really great opportunity, that you don’t want to miss out on and that you’re happy to adhere to the early termination clauses.

To be clear, I am not saying BP have done anything illegal, but everyone (including the biggest most profitable companies) will do what’s best for themsleves. You have to respect that!

Most contracts have early termination dates for both parties. As a contractor I foolishly signed up for one that had no early termination ability on my side, but a no-notice early termination on the client side. And the client got rid of all us testing contractors one morning with no notice.

I agree – if you want to leave early, abide by the terms of the contract, give the required notice, be professional about it.

Thanks, Sam

By: SCARY TESTER » Blog Archive » IT Contractor faux pas

SCARY TESTER » Blog Archive » IT Contractor faux pas — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:52:25 +0000

[...] Wilkinson’s article on How to get yourself rolled off assignment, and Evil Tester’s How not to behave as a test contractor, I have decided to add a few somewhat less aggravating crimes to the list, which are nevertheless [...]

By: Julian

Julian — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:56:23 +0000

Excellent post. I also have contracted on and off (and employed contractors). It is truly incredible what some of them do. One thing I would certainly add is:

“Don’t be elitist”

I have seen this on more than one occasion. Permanent staff are knowledgeable too and teamwork is the name of the game in IT.

Thanks for the addition Julian.

By: Ola Akande

Ola Akande — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:11:28 +0000

This is a classic piece, something contractors dont understand is that the IT community is a very small one, usually it will come back and haunt you in the not too distant future. Always leave a job with your integrity intact.Just my two cents worth!!!

Thanks Ola, in the UK it seems we have a tiny community :)

By: paul grew

paul grew — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:31:25 +0000

here’s one i dont recomend:
I’ve had contractors resist learning new stuff eg. agile (not really that new now) leave and add it to their cv as a competency while working for me. Then send me their CV a year later wanting a job.

Thanks Paul. :) Maybe the people who behave this way just have selective memories as a survival trait?