Transitioned from employee to subcontractor (not my choice) by employer....consulting firm ..working out fine..I have medical benefits...

Anonymous

November 12,2022 at 3:04PM UTC

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Transitioned from employee to subcontractor (not my choice) by employer....consulting firm ..working out fine..I have medical benefits... but I know this arrangement benefits her firm financially!. Looking for your input on the following. I manage 3 clients. - effectively and without the owners intervention. The owners boyfriend's best friend works for us (a little background - the boyfriend found a loophole to fire a female employee to get his friend a job). He handles 1 account...I run circles around him...he doesnt have the background I have and the owner has to guide him.

A CIO of a law firm for which I did the consulting is now working for another firm.... He is requesting our services at the new firm for which he is employed. (keep in mind - he knows the quality of my work and the economic benefit I bring to the table)! I am being proactive here... Lets say she asks me to do the consulting work on this new account...that will mean I am working on 4 clients.. to the other guys 1...First, I would want my hourly rate increased to do the consulting on this new account and Second I may not want to take on the workload for this 4th account -already have alot on my plate. Just want to have my responses to her lined up.... if she asks me to work on this account. Not sure how to handle this...but want to be prepared to respond. Thank you! You are always so helpful!

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AnonymousDecember 1,2022 at 4:30PM UTC
As a contractor/sub-contractor rather than an employee, you should have a contract in place with the employer that spells out what happens when you're requested to take on additional work. If you don't have one, it's worth seeing if you can put one in place.
If you are being paid hourly, you can ask for an increase in the hourly rate, but it probably shouldn't be tied to taking on more work - more work = more hours. Instead, you should give a business reason, in writing, as to why you are raising your rates.
Good luck!
AnonymousDecember 1,2022 at 9:33PM UTC
Yes I have a contract.... but it only identifies the 3 clients I consult with now. Contract states , " as a contractor I am free to do other work, not for xxxxxx."
But it doesnt address any additonal work from xxxxxx company. Good suggestion about a business reason as to why I am raising my rates. I did request an increase in 2021 based upon my financial contribution to our clients (what I save them)..... She denied increase... saying company doesnt have $$$ to increase my rate. BTW owners bf gets a monthly stipend.... for who knows what?? -well he belongs to an exclusive golf club where we invite our clients....... thats why ..... doesnt do any consulting work..
AnonymousDecember 2,2022 at 2:38PM UTC
If your current contract only identifies your current consulting clients, I think it's reasonable to get a new or amended contract for any new clients at your 'new' increased rate. If the company doesn't agree to the rate, you don't have any obligation to work with the additional client.
AnonymousDecember 3,2022 at 12:30PM UTC
Your suggestion is helpful! Appreciate your input.
Christi MillerDecember 1,2022 at 6:10PM UTC
Is the new hire an employee or contractor like you? Could you ask to move some of your accounts to him and only take on the accounts you want?
AnonymousDecember 1,2022 at 9:28PM UTC
New hire a subcontractor... I could move my accounts to him... owner probably wont want that since he cannot make things happen without guidance.
AnonymousDecember 9,2022 at 1:25PM UTC
The fact that employers use this as a way to "save money" is appalling. As a contractor, they are no longer required to provide benefits, sure. But you must still have those benefits. Therefore, they must pay you so that you can provide them for yourself. Don't let them exploit their position like that.
AnonymousDecember 13,2022 at 1:14PM UTC
Thank you for your support and input!