Signed Contract 2 Months in Advance of starting

**MattZani** · 27 February 2018, 15:51

There won't be any contract, you won't get a penny from it.

Forget about this contract, apply for other roles, move on and keep invoicing.

**TonyF** · 27 February 2018, 15:52

What have you lost? If you can show a loss then you should ask for that.

I would terminate the contract now and look for something else. Explain to the client that if you are available when they are ready to start then they should contact you but you cannot give them exclusivity for six months without some form of retainer.

The idea that they expect you to wait for any length of time before you start work is ridiculous unless they are paying for that privilege.

Get looking for something else to start ASAP.

**northernladuk** · 27 February 2018, 15:57

Originally posted by Somersetsid View Post

Signed for a contract to start 2 months prior to start date. The client is not now ready for me to start until 6 months after start date, where do I stand financially? Thanks.

Dunno, what's your warchest like?

**tarbera** · 27 February 2018, 15:59

post a copy of your bank statement

post a copy of your bank statement and we can tell you

you are not getting a red dime from the contract you signed

**VillageContractor** · 27 February 2018, 16:04

Originally posted by MattZani View Post

There won't be any contract, you won't get a penny from it.

Forget about this contract, apply for other roles, move on and keep invoicing.

This. Start looking for other roles

**doconline** · 27 February 2018, 16:10

Originally posted by Somersetsid View Post

Signed for a contract to start 2 months prior to start date. The client is not now ready for me to start until 6 months after start date, where do I stand financially? Thanks.

Looks like the contract is dead in the water, but let the client know that should you be available in 6 months time you would be happy to consider the contract again. In the mean time look for something else, you are available immediately I take it, so that should stand you in good stead with potential clients.

Financial wise, you haven't done any work, so unfortunately there isn't any recompense for your company unless there are stipulations in your contract (extremely unlikey / nearly unheard of).

**Lance** · 27 February 2018, 16:28

what they said.
Don't forget to terminate the contract formally though.

**Somersetsid** · 27 February 2018, 17:40

Agent is working to get me something else!!

**TheCyclingProgrammer** · 27 February 2018, 17:53

What's your notice period? Unless its longer than 2 months (which would be pretty silly), you could give them notice now and starting looking for another contract.

Alternatively, don't give them notice but keep it on the back burner. Try and find an interim contract.

Personally, I'd go back to the client and re-negotiate terms so that they have to give me 1 month notice (or whatever my notice period would be with a second client) to start if they want you to start before a certain date. I'd tell them this is because you want to seek another contract in the interim and need to be able to give the other client sufficient notice if they want you to start. I'd guarantee I will be available on an agreed start date 6 months from now and ensure that whatever I sign with another client takes that into account.

TLDR; think like a business. It's annoying but see this as an opportunity to find other work now with some work in the pipeline 6 months for now.

Signed Contract 2 Months in Advance of starting