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Lost my job.

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Anonymous

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Lost my job.

I am a contractor who was working on the second year of my contract. The customer decided to cancel the contract 10 weeks early, leaving me in an interesting position without pay.

Mind you; I've never had a bad review or a complaint, never taken time off, always willing to help, and always did my work.

My consulting firm called me out of the blue and said, 'turn in your laptop.'

I can't help but feel this was because I was the only woman on the team of 10. As an engineer, I was the "get the coffee engineer" as opposed to the "what are your thoughts on a solution" engineer. And it's hard working with the good ol' boys who live in regions where they may not have been exposed to female engineers or just don't respect women.

One thing is for certain, I'll never do contract work again. You just don't know what you're getting. I want to interview the boss and the team. And I want to make sure they have the capability to engage well with peers.

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  1. Anonymous

    I am sorry you are going through this. I was working a contract that was renewed, got tons of praise and my employer of record also called up and told me the contract was ending. Unfortunately it happens and it doesn't always have anything to do with you. And it especially has nothing to do with your skills. In general, I have found that contract workers -- even when they are more skilled -- are treated as "less thans" by the FTEs. And in a team of contract workers, in my roles there has definitely been politics due to the constant uncertainty of the contract, so I have no doubt that as a woman they treated you poorly. One of the things about being a contract worker is that you don't have the same freedom (or at least feel like you have the same freedom) to speak up.

    Like you, I am stepping back from contract work and looking for a FTE position. But, after interviewing for a while, it is tough out there. So, there is a chance I may have to take another contract before I find my 'winner', especially if my unemployment runs out. So, what I have done is take the only control I can. I have decided that if I do take a contract, if the interview feels toxic, I am NOT taking it. And since it is a contract and they can pull the rug out from under me at any time, if I want to leave, I am GOING to leave.

    Most of all, just know that this was not your fault. The whole tech/contract toxicity is getting out of control and you were a victim of that. But you are still awesome.

  2. Laurie

    I am so sorry this happened to you. I know how bad it stings. It may not feel like it now, but the loss has made way for an even better opportunity in your life. Great lesson too...no contract work!

  3. Alexis Gladstone

    I know this is hard and I'm sorry it happened. Having worked in organizations that were engineering focused (I'm not one) I also understand how hard it is for women.

    The end of your contract might not have anything to do with you. For instance, if there are budget issues, it's much "easier" to cut a contractor rather than an employee; less hassle on their part.

    I don't know what the employment landscape is for engineers, and while I understand your reluctance to take on another contract role, if it were me, I wouldn't rule it out, and would keep both options open.

    Good luck.

  4. Anonymous

    You learned from your mistakes. Are there any laws protecting you?

  5. Anonymous

    I don't think the OP made a mistake. Contracts end and contractors don't have the same protections as FTE'ers. She had bad luck, I think.

  6. Melissa

    Sorry this happened to you. To get respect you sometimes have to demand it. In the future write it into you contract that you are owed X amount of pay for early cancellations. You can also give a date of “last day to cancel without charges” say three days.

  7. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    I'm so sorry to hear that your contract was ended early but there are tons of reasons that could have happened that are other than because you are a woman.

    I have been interviewed - and interviewed the hiring manager - for every contract position I have ever accepted.

    This same thing could just as easily have happened if you were a FTE. Typically, unless you're working in a union environment, a company can lay you off pretty much anytime they want to/can justify it. There is no job security.

  8. Anonymous

    Bosses change, team dynamics change.

    What and WHO you interview today for does not mean what will be indefinitely, let alone tomorrow .

    Projects (clients) change, budgets change, priorities change.

    As Joan Williams posted in this thread, FTE or contractor, man or woman, finance or marketing (or whatever) - job security is rare. My additional input--unless you are a in one of those demanding fields- teacher or nurse and others I'm not thinking of-- count your blessings for today.

    My advice- be happy for today and live below your means- anymore, only guarantee is NO GUARANTEE.

  9. Anonymous

    Best advice possible

  10. Anonymous

    Thank you! I wish I had no experience!! Lollllll

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