Leaving on good terms...

[MojoDog]

I find myself (for once) in the fortunate position of having to choose between two gigs, both of which offer similar money and a super-interesting work environment in which I'm learning new stuff all the time.

I'm in a contract with Client A (located 4 hours from home) which finishes at the end of August (2014) - new projects are kicking off and the client says he wants me at the start and to help see them through, with a forecast of work lasting well into 2015. We have a great working relationship and the client tells me that he's very happy with my work and he could do with a couple more with my qualities (his actual words to me). Pimp is giving me similar feedback.

This morning, after a 10-minute phone interview, I was offered a 12-month contract with Client B (located 2 hours from home).

Like I said, both jobs are equally interesting and on similar money but for convenience to getting home I'm leaning towards Client B (although I wont be giving this as my reason).

I'm honouring my contract to the end so I don't have to explain to anyone why I'm leaving, but Client A thinks I will be staying and will ask why I'm not - I would like to give him an answer that will leave the door open with them, in case of future opportunities.

Anyone else been in this position and can offer advice, please.

At the end of the day, I'll go and that's that but I would like to leave some bridges intact :-)

[kal]

All things being equal I would take the one closer to home. Seems like you get on with your current client so what about a chat to see if they can be flexible (I'm thinking WFH a day or 2 a week or a rate increase to mitigate the extra travel)?

[BlasterBates]

Take the 2 hours from home. I've had a 4 hour and a 2 hour gig.

There is a significant difference because you can travel on Monday morning for the 2 hour gig and be there at 9.

Effectively you'll have a half-day holiday per week, compared to the other gig ...also not bad.

[northernladuk]

Just explain to him you are doing it for family personal reasons. The distance is a bit of a problem so going to take a break and take one closer to home so you can have some family time/home life. Clients often can relate to this and will understand.

What I would be prepared for is a question on what would I want to stay. Mon/Fri at home, more flexible working etc.

It could be you could pull a nice cushy number out of the bag even though it is still the furthest. If they don't then just thank him, leave your card and keep in touch via linkedin/email once in awhile to see how he is etc.

[ChimpMaster]

I've had similar opportunities in the past. Briefly, you might want to consider:

1. WFH with current client 1 or 2 days a week. This will feel like heaven - having what feels like a long weekend every week, and more quality time with the family. You are far more likely to negotiate this successfully with current client than with client B, because your current client knows and respects you.

2. ABITHIWTITB. Jumping to a new client raises uncertainty and a 12 month contract might not work out to be a 12 month contract. You know your current client and you know there is work there for many months yet.

3. If it's money you're after, negotiate with both clients.

4. If you want the contract at client B regardless, then offer client A contractual support if they need it, or the possibility of coming in adhoc if they need senior or specialist advice for a few days here and there.

[sal]

I've had similar opportunities in the past. Briefly, you might want to consider:

1. WFH with current client 1 or 2 days a week. This will feel like heaven - having what feels like a long weekend every week, and more quality time with the family. You are far more likely to negotiate this successfully with current client than with client B, because your current client knows and respects you.

2. ABITHIWTITB. Jumping to a new client raises uncertainty and a 12 month contract might not work out to be a 12 month contract. You know your current client and you know there is work there for many months yet.

3. If it's money you're after, negotiate with both clients.

4. If you want the contract at client B regardless, then offer client A contractual support if they need it, or the possibility of coming in adhoc if they need senior or specialist advice for a few days here and there.

+1

[MojoDog]

I've had similar opportunities in the past. Briefly, you might want to consider:

1. WFH with current client 1 or 2 days a week. This will feel like heaven - having what feels like a long weekend every week, and more quality time with the family. You are far more likely to negotiate this successfully with current client than with client B, because your current client knows and respects you.

2. ABITHIWTITB. Jumping to a new client raises uncertainty and a 12 month contract might not work out to be a 12 month contract. You know your current client and you know there is work there for many months yet.

3. If it's money you're after, negotiate with both clients.

4. If you want the contract at client B regardless, then offer client A contractual support if they need it, or the possibility of coming in adhoc if they need senior or specialist advice for a few days here and there.

Excellent points all.

1. WFH is not really an option - I'm in the nuclear industry and my job requires me to be onsite. That said, Homer Simpson once found a way :-)

2. Very true, but every contract begins with a level of uncertainty which then fades and becomes a comfort zone. It's this uncertainty that I enjoy about contracting (and drives my wife mad...! :-) ).

3. Like I said, the money is similar, but if Client A made a big enough offer then I would be a fool not to consider it.

4. See response to 1

I'm grateful for the time you've all taken to respond. It's certainly given food for thought.

[Tasslehoff]

Excellent points all.

1. WFH is not really an option - I'm in the nuclear industry and my job requires me to be onsite. That said, Homer Simpson once found a way :-)

I know a way you could triple your productivity.

[MojoDog]

Just explain to him you are doing it for family personal reasons. The distance is a bit of a problem so going to take a break and take one closer to home so you can have some family time/home life. Clients often can relate to this and will understand.

What I would be prepared for is a question on what would I want to stay. Mon/Fri at home, more flexible working etc.

It could be you could pull a nice cushy number out of the bag even though it is still the furthest. If they don't then just thank him, leave your card and keep in touch via linkedin/email once in awhile to see how he is etc.

This is the approach I'm going for, tomorrow...

Feeling a bit guilty because the PM is top bloke who is having a pretty tulipy week, think this might put the tin hat on things.

In a rare burst of efficiency, my current agent sent through a new contract a few days ago offering a 6-month extension with an offer of "an extra £1 an hour but don't tell the others cos it will p*$$ them off..."

I've been avoiding the phone until today when the contract for the new gig finally arrived in my inbox

Hey-ho onwards and upwards...

[kal]

This is the approach I'm going for, tomorrow...

Feeling a bit guilty because the PM is top bloke who is having a pretty tulipy week, think this might put the tin hat on things.

In a rare burst of efficiency, my current agent sent through a new contract a few days ago offering a 6-month extension with an offer of "an extra £1 an hour but don't tell the others cos it will p*$$ them off..."

I've been avoiding the phone until today when the contract for the new gig finally arrived in my inbox

Hey-ho onwards and upwards...

Good news, at the end of the day you've only got one life so do what's best for you and your family. Your current PM will understand, its just business after all