Concerns as a consultant.

The other day two consultants, a developer and network engineer, made the following statements. “Cost cutting has consultants concerned about their current assignments because when an evaluation is conducted they will be cut before an employee. That is understood. We understand it’s a business and company/organization decision.” They thought that they were about to be “cut” or “let go” (i.e., contract terminated). RayAnn has received several emails from individual consultants that understood their position with companies had changed. What was also interesting, several individuals stated they no longer could go into certain companies directly but through a third party or sole source (e.g., staffing firm or business that was listed on a “source” list).

As a consultant you never know when you may get the word that your assignment/contract has been terminated. Yes, being on the job as a contract consultant (not an employee) (even if it initially was considered long term or contract-to-hire, can lead to being informed that it’s over before the contract has expired. Although sometimes unexpected, especially in these difficult times, we know it comes with the “territory” Unless you had something written in your contract, you will have to accept the situation and move on. After you get passed the initial disappointment, don’t burn bridges. Close out or transition professionally because you may have an opportunity to be called back or offered another opportunity later (if you are available). You have to get right back into the job search to find that next source of income. I think keeping several possibilities open should always be an on-going activity. Continually networking and testing the market to take advantage of possible opportunities.

Good Luck,

For this issue of the newsletter, we continue with “The Day-To-Day Challenges That Plague the Project Manager, Team Leads, And Other Members”

– Skill Set Requirements – Not Just Being Certified

– Unclear Development Processes and Methodologies

Eddie R. Williams, PMP