Work Contract: Hang on or cut and run?

[guitarist28]

I've been employed on a fixed term contract with a big corporate for the past 5 years. Well, the contract's been renewed twice in the 5 years. It expires in November this year. I have to commend my Manager though for trying on numerous occasions to get me employed permanently but without success. Like mentioned, it's a big corporate so red tape and bulls*** everywhere. Plus the extremely strict BEE policy counts against me completely.

Anyway, recently I was informed that the chances are looking bleak for my employment contract to be renewed again this year (November), due to the company cutting back financially, regardless of my contributions.

Also during the last couple of months, I had one of our suppliers ask me if I'd ever consider joining their team, reason being, my skillset fits their business perfectly.

Now, do I wait to see if my contract gets renewed, or do I pursue this other opportunity and get out of my contract early if possible?

My concern is that should I pursue this other opportunity it may reach my employer and cause some issues for me. But on the other hand, I also need to consider my future here. What would you guys do?

 

[killadoob]

Go find out about the job at your supplier, find out all the details. You are under contract so november you are free whether they renew it or not.

What relationship do you have with your employer? Generally honesty and being upfront is better than looking like you have been sneaking around. You don't want to get caught sneaking around then find out the job at your supplier isn't what you want or need in terms of what they are offering. You need to find out what they would be willing to offer you before you do anything.

Ask your employer, what are the chances of it being renewed? Then say you are looking into another job just in case it is not renewed. Hopefully your employer is understanding and you have a good relationship.

 

[Maverick Jester]

The fact that you have been contracting for five years with no offer of permanent employment, should actually highlight to you the true value that the company hold you by. Do yourself a favour, and seriously consider (and I would think, take) the offer that your supplier has presented. It may be the only job offer you get in the not too distant future...

 

[Chevron]

I'm gonna mostly echo what's already been said.

5 years without being permanent is just too long. Find out more about your supplier's position and go do that.

 

[TelkomUseless]

I'm gonna mostly echo what's already been said.

5 years without being permanent is just too long. Find out more about your supplier's position and go do that.

+1

 

[Cius]

I'd quietly pursue the permanent job if its available.

 

[killadoob]

I'm gonna mostly echo what's already been said.

5 years without being permanent is just too long. Find out more about your supplier's position and go do that.

So his boss finds out, ends his contract nov and the supplier has a poor offer. Yea go right ahead, just ignore doing this in a manner that satisfies both parties and ensures you may have two choices. Don't be foolish and think the supplier is going to give you what you want. Sure permanent employment is good. We don't know your current salary nor the salary on offer so make sure you are diplomatic and don't burn bridges!!!!!!

 

[googoodoll]

Ask your employer what your future is with the company. If it doesn't look good just tell them you are going to look around a bit.
They must understand that you need time to find something else if your contract isn't going to be renewed.

If you must really sneak around, just make sure you resign properly and all that.

 

[Rocket-Boy]

You also need to check to see if there is a restraint of trade agreement in your contract.
There might be something about working for other companies with business relationships in there.

 

[googoodoll]

You also need to check to see if there is a restraint of trade agreement in your contract.
There might be something about working for other companies with business relationships in there.

Good point.

Just make sure you do everything according to the book so they can't hold anything against you.

 

[Waaib]

... most of the thing we worry about never happen.

 

[Ancalagon]

Another related question:

What is the general feeling on the employee terminating a fixed term contract early?

 

[F1 Fan]

I think you have to decide. A contractor earns atleast one and a half times what a permanent employee earns. So while you may think it makes sense, it may not as financially rewarding. If you want a secure future, then by all means permanent is the way to go. If you willing to risk it, to earn more, then you know what you need to do.

Lastly, you have aother options too. Put your CV out there and see if you get responses.

 

[noxibox]

I think you have to decide. A contractor earns at least one and a half times what a permanent employee earns.

No they don't. The vast majority of contract employees are simply really the same as permanent employees, but for various reasons the employer wants to keep them off the permanent employee list. This will often come back to bite the employer when they've renewed the contract multiple times because now they've effectively made the renewal an expectation. Many employers also wrongly think they can exclude contract employees from pension funds, company life cover, medical aid and so on. All completely illegal.

An independent contractor is something entirely different. They don't really work for the company, but provide a service, and can therefore work whatever hours they please, where they like, with equipment of their choice and even hand off the work to someone else if they feel like it.

Another related question:

What is the general feeling on the employee terminating a fixed term contract early?

Employee can generally cancel it whenever they feel like following whatever notice terms are agreed. Employer generally can't cancel a fixed term contract unless there is a provision that it is for a term or until specified work is complete.