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Can you quit a contract job if you happen to suddenly know it’s not a good fit? You might end up asking what options you will have if you happen to’ve actually signed a contract with an employer but want out.
In this text, I’ll explain when you possibly can quit a contract job, what to search for in your contract agreement, how to know if quitting is the proper option, and plenty more.
Can You Quit a Contract Job?
The easy answer is: Yes. You can all the time quit a contract job since nobody could make you’re employed for them without your willing participation.
But quitting a contract job may include a few stipulations including termination fees, timing requirements and other details. We’ll explore all of them in this text.
What to search for in your contract
Whether you’ve already signed a contract and now you would like to quit your contract job otherwise you haven’t signed yet and you would like to ensure that you retain your options open when signing, let’s review what it is best to search for in your contract.
Clearly defined termination terms
First, you would like to get really clear on the circumstances under which you possibly can terminate a contract job. There might be a lot here, but look ahead to the next terms in your contract and seek the advice of a lawyer if you will have questions.
Notice period – That is the time period ahead of quitting that you should notify your client. Typically that is anywhere from 2 weeks to 30 days. So while you could give you the chance to quit your contract job at any time, you could need to wait out the notice period before you’re actually through with the job.
Grounds for termination – These are the circumstances under which it’s appropriate for you to resign from a contract job. Examples include: client’s failure to pay, client’s failure to cooperate, abusive or inappropriate client behavior, etc.
Early termination fees – These are fees you will have to pay your client for resigning early from a contract job. Alternatively, your client could have to pay you in the event that they resign early.
Payment owed – These terms answer the query: what happens with any outstanding balance once I quit my contract job? Typically, you’ll be entitled to payment for the work you’ve accomplished, but rarely more. Especially if you happen to’re the one to quit.
Deliverables – If you happen to quit a contract job early, it’s essential to know what happens with accomplished or partially accomplished deliverables. Most frequently, you’ll turn over any work the client has paid for.
IP rights – That is a query of ownership. If you happen to resign from a contract position, who will own the finished or partially accomplished work done to this point?
There could also be more terms you’ll want to concentrate on if you happen to’re considering quitting a contract job. Also, please remember, I’m not a lawyer. While I’ve researched these points extensively and do have some mild legal background, I like to recommend you speak with an actual lawyer anytime you wish help with a contract.
Must you actually quit a contract job?
Simply because a project isn’t going easily, that doesn’t necessarily mean resigning from a contract position is the perfect plan of action.
Before jumping directly to “I quit,” listed here are a few questions to ask yourself:
Is there any way to quickly resolve the problems I’m facing?
If the explanation your quitting is well resolvable, take that plan of action first. If the explanations are inexcusable (like abuse or misconduct) then quitting is your best choice.
Is there anyone else I could work with to solve the issue?
Perhaps the client you might be working with has a supervisor and the one way to resolve the issue is to “go over their head” to their boss. While not the perfect move for the long-term relationship with this client, it’d help get the project across the finish line.
Is there any way I can just hang on and see this project through?
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Quitting a contract job means giving up work and revenue. If there’s any probability you possibly can resolve the problems you’re facing and see the project through to the top, that’s ideal. It doesn’t mean you will have to work with this client again, but it surely could also be simpler to grit your teeth and power through.
Are there some other solutions?
It could be time to get creative. For instance, could you sub-contract the remainder of this job to one other contractor? Can you place the project on pause while your client resolves issues on their end? Can the project scope be modified to complete the project more quickly?
How to formally quit a contract job
If you happen to’ve reviewed your contract and feel comfortable moving forward, there are good and bad ways to resign from a contract job.
Listed here are a few ways to help it go more easily:
Try to resolve the problems and provides fair warnings
Before just up-and-quitting your contract job, you could want to attempt to resolve the problems you will have along with your client and provides them reasonable warning that you simply’re preparing to resign.
You might say something like this over phone or email:
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Hey, Tom. I’m still waiting on that duplicate you agreed to send me. Unfortunately, I can’t move forward along with your project until you send me all of the assets. If I don’t receive them by Friday, I might have to resign from this job.
SOURCE: TheFreelanceFiles.com
Have an open conversation along with your client
Any type of resignation from a contract job should start with an open and honest conversation along with your client.
Don’t beat across the bush. Schedule a meeting (don’t do that over text or email) and begin with something like this:
Hey, Tom. Thanks for meeting with me today. I wanted to let you recognize that this project isn’t working. As I discussed before, I would like the assets so as to complete the project on-time. Since you will have repeatedly ignored my request for assets, I’m going to have to stop work on this project. I’ll send you all of the work accomplished to this point and you could find one other contractor to work with you.
SOURCE: TheFreelanceFiles.com
Tie up any loose ends and formalize your quitting
Finally, take time to send any files, updates, or other information your client might have moving forward. Then formalize your quitting with a formal resignation letter.
I’ve included 3 sample resignation letters below which you possibly can send via email or paper mail.
Contract Job Resignation Letter Templates
Contract Job Resignation Letter (short)
Dear [Client Name],
I’m writing to inform you that I’m resigning from my position as [position title] on the [project name] project, effective [date]. Unfortunately, I’m now not able to proceed working on this project due to [reasons for termination]. I appreciate the chance to work with you and your team. Please let me know if you happen to need anything during this transition period.
Sincerely,
[Contractor Name]
SOURCE: TheFreelanceFiles.com
Contract Job Resignation Letter (medium)
Dear [Client Name],
I’m writing to inform you that I’m resigning from my position as [position title] on the [project name] project, effective [date]. After careful consideration, I actually have decided that I can now not proceed on this role along with your company.
During the last [duration of project], I actually have enjoyed working with you and your team on [brief description of project]. Unfortunately, due to [reasons for termination], I feel I’m now not able to meet the necessities and expectations for this position.
I would like to assure you that I’ll do every part I can to make this transition as smooth as possible. I will probably be available over the following [duration] to assist with handing off my work and responsibilities to others. Please let me know if there may be the rest I can do to aid with this process.
I appreciate the chance you gave me to work on this impactful project. It has been a pleasure collaborating with you and your expert team. I wish you and [company name] all the perfect moving forward. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you happen to need anything during this transition period.
Sincerely,
[Contractor Name]
SOURCE: TheFreelanceFiles.com
Contract Job Resignation Letter (long)
Dear [Client Name],
I’m writing you this letter to formally notify you of my resignation from my role as [position title] on the [project name] project, effective [date]. This was not a straightforward decision to make, but after careful consideration, I actually have determined that I can now not proceed on this position along with your company.
As you recognize, I used to be brought on [duration] ago to [summary of role and responsibilities]. In that point, I actually have enjoyed working closely with you and your team and am pleased with what we have now achieved together on [project achievements].
Nevertheless, due to [reasons for termination], I now not feel I’m able to meet the necessities and expectations for this role. I actually have found myself combating [challenges faced] which has affected my ability to complete the vital work on the caliber you and your team deserve.
Please know that I remain committed to making this transition period as seamless as possible. Over the following [duration], I will probably be available to assist with handing off critical work and responsibilities to others. I’m pleased to train my potential substitute and supply any insight and knowledge needed to get them up to speed. If there are any specific documents, data or summaries which might aid with this process, please let me know and I’ll prioritize completing those.
While I do know my departure leaves you in a difficult position, I actually have the utmost confidence in your leadership and the skill of your team to proceed driving this project forward. You have assembled an incredible group of execs who I do know will rise to the occasion.
I again want to thanks for the chance to be a part of the team working on such an exciting and meaningful project. I wish you and [company name] the best possible, and please reach out if I can assist in any way during this transition.
Sincerely,
[Contractor Name]
SOURCE: TheFreelanceFiles.com
To quit or not to quit?
After reading through this text, if you happen to’re still asking yourself whether or not to quit a contract job, I feel your pain. Breaking up with a client might be a painful process and definitely has financial ramifications too.
But remember, continuing to work with frustrating clients may also cause problems in your online business. If it gets to the purpose where the project isn’t profitable or your emotional health is suffering due to a poor client-contractor relationship, it’s probably time to just quit.
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