Re: FWD: Contracting and project queries

[Susan Brown <susan -at- COOKERY -dot- OTTAWA -dot- ON -dot- CA>]

At 12:44 PM 7/24/98 -0600, Eric J. Ray wrote:
>Name withheld upon request. Please reply on list.
>
>*************************************************
>
>
>Comments/Questions for Contractors:
>
>1.  For the second time, I'm working in a job where, before I took the job,
>I was told I would be working on a specific technology that I was VERY
>interested in learning, but when I started the job, was put to work on
>information that basically, nobody else in the group wanted to work on.  My
>questions to other contractors are the following:
>
>a)  How can you ensure that the job that you were told about in the
>interview translates into the job you actually do?  Do you write it in the
>contract?

        No, but the first time something not within the job they outlined to me at
the interview crosses my desk, I go to the manager, explain that that was
not what I was hired for. I also smile sweetly, say I that I will do it,
but 'just this once'. I am not sure if I get away with this because of my
charm, my experience, my icy stare, or because I let them know at the
interview why I wanted the job, what I expected from it, and let them know
at that time that if the job was not as advertised, I would give the
contractually obligatory 2 weeks notice and then be gone. Maybe it's
because they need experienced writers around here - many more than live in
the area. Maybe it's because I really would walk (and have in the past)
when my expectations were not met. Whatever, once I started dealing with
things that way, I never looked back. I kept the image of a team player and
good gun, without compromising my golas (and just because i freelance does
not mean I do not have any).


>
>I've thought that I could
>contribute a few months, get it done, and leave.  At least, I will have made
>a contribution that no one else is willing to make.
>

        And when you're a contractor, that and $1.00 will get you a cup of coffee.

        After many years (no, don't ask me, I don't look my age, and hate to
shatter the illusion) as an independent, I found that as long as I put up
with that kind of thing (and as a fresh faced and insecure youngster I did
- a lot) I would be expected to put up with it. I also found very little
respect for doing it, never any thanks, and little that would allow me to
leverage my skills to the next level of per diems.

        Once I respected myself enough to take the approach outlined above, I
found work easier and pleasanter and the contracts would last much MUCH
longer. I was no longer seen as a dog's body that would handle the drek,
but as the highly skilled and intelligent specialist that I am. I got more
respect, better work, etc. etc. I was also a valuable part of the team, and
a comrade-in-arms.

        My 2 cents - for what it's worth.


Susan Brown
220 Rue Mutchmore, Unit 11
Hull, Quebec
J8Y 3V1
819 777 6368 (home)
613 765 7254 (work)