Help!! - Contract Acceptance \ Starts

**DimPrawn** · 21 February 2007, 15:17

Oh dear - is it me or are ALL the permies going contracting again?

**EqualOpportunities** · 21 February 2007, 15:18

Originally posted by Hot_stepper

Right, I have a bit of a quandry and was hoping some of you with more experience than I may be able to point me in the right direction!

I am a newb contractor having worked as an employed consultant for the last 5yrs but the firm I was working for are strapped for cash and contracting looks like a good option for my life right now.

I needed to start a contract fairly rapidly as I still have wages outstanding from the old firm and I have my CV with several pimps. I had a telephone interview on Tuesday which was meant to follow on with a face to face, however, they called back late Tuesday to offer an immediate start. I stated I would be able to start on Thursday (not weds as they asked) as I had another interview lined up for this morning which I decided to attend for posterities sake.

So, the problem is - I am supposed to start contract A tomorrow but contract B (which pays slightly more & is a little closer) have decided that they will cancel the remaining interviews they have for tom. and have asked if I will start on Monday. I have not given a categoric yes to contract B yet. What to do??

How annoyed is a pimp likely to be if I don't start contract A.... Is it worth accepting contract B for Monday - starting contract A tomorrow and then saying it isn't the right role for me... or do I find a severe enough excuse... or (shock, horror), be honest??

Answers on a postcard please!!

Do what you like - we are at war with the b@stards, afterall...

**Bluebird** · 21 February 2007, 15:20

Originally posted by Hot_stepper

Right, I have a bit of a quandry and was hoping some of you with more experience than I may be able to point me in the right direction!

I am a newb contractor having worked as an employed consultant for the last 5yrs but the firm I was working for are strapped for cash and contracting looks like a good option for my life right now.

I needed to start a contract fairly rapidly as I still have wages outstanding from the old firm and I have my CV with several pimps. I had a telephone interview on Tuesday which was meant to follow on with a face to face, however, they called back late Tuesday to offer an immediate start. I stated I would be able to start on Thursday (not weds as they asked) as I had another interview lined up for this morning which I decided to attend for posterities sake.

So, the problem is - I am supposed to start contract A tomorrow but contract B (which pays slightly more & is a little closer) have decided that they will cancel the remaining interviews they have for tom. and have asked if I will start on Monday. I have not given a categoric yes to contract B yet. What to do??

How annoyed is a pimp likely to be if I don't start contract A.... Is it worth accepting contract B for Monday - starting contract A tomorrow and then saying it isn't the right role for me... or do I find a severe enough excuse... or (shock, horror), be honest??

Answers on a postcard please!!

Have you signed the contract ? If not then I guess your not obliged, however neing new to contracting you shouldn't start by pi$$ing of the agents straight away - if they are a big co who may have work for you in the future I'd stay with contract a - but then again I wouldn't have gone for the interview for contract b to start with.

**Hot_stepper** · 21 February 2007, 15:32

A is with a big co and B with a small one.

You are probably right Bluebird and I shouldn't have gone for interview B.

Ah well, live and learn I guess

**Hot_stepper** · 21 February 2007, 15:39

Sorry, let me define it further:

Contract A is from a large Pimp for a large public body, contract B is from a small pimp with a large PLC.

**pickle** · 21 February 2007, 16:05

So lets get this straight. Option B pays more, is a smaller commute, it lets you spend the next two days at home w4nking to daytime tv and it also pisses off a pimp.

'Scuse me, but what dont you get?

**lukemg** · 21 February 2007, 16:23

Look at possible extensions too, easier at big companies where the extortionate rates don't stand out as much.
Then let the agent for A make the decision - tell him you have been offered another contract for his rate + 20% and that if he can match it you will take his role. He will say no, you take job B. If he says yes - you are in the money.
Don't tell him who it is with, if he gives you abuse, tell him to foad and write to his MD.
HTH

**Buffoon** · 21 February 2007, 16:44

Originally posted by Hot_stepper

Sorry, let me define it further:

Contract A is from a large Pimp for a large public body, contract B is from a small pimp with a large PLC.

Hummmm, 'large pubic body' (no jokes). Drop them quick. Look on this board. Public sector = trouble. Private sector not that far behind though, but be grateful for small mercies.

**Hot_stepper** · 21 February 2007, 17:41

Hi all,

Thank you very much for the comments and to reformation to for his honesty!

To let you all know, I spoke to the agency for contract A and explained that I had been offered a more local highing paying role and would be stupid to turn it down.. I blamed it on my contracting naievity.

Shock, horror, she was really understanding and said she would have done the same in my position too ( a weeding to pay for in August)... so contract B it is, A say they are gutted but relationship with them seems fine!

Everyone's a winner baby!!

Help!! - Contract Acceptance \ Starts