How soon to look for another job?

Anonymous

June 22,2023 at 9:16PM UTC

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How soon to look for another job?

I am currently working in a one-year contract role. There is a hiring freeze, so there is no longer a possibility of conversion but I have been told I can extend for another year.

But, at this point, I want to take the skills I learned in this contract and move on.

My contract is up in December 2023 (technically December 31).

When should I start to look for a job knowing I will be available in January?

And if a perfect opportunity means an early exit from the contract, how bad is it that I leave a contract early for FTE?

A bit of context:

This is a software engineer/tech role and I am mid-level and my contract role is at a 'name-brand' company but I want to go back to a smaller company where I can do more 'fun' things and not be stuck in a narrow role.

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Annetta MosesJune 23,2023 at 4:58AM UTC
First, I suggest you read your employment contract and understand your options. Some contracts allow you to leave before the end if you give 30 or 60 days notice. Assuming there is no penalty for leaving early, start looking now.
G C HesseJune 23,2023 at 12:55PM UTC
You are a contractor!!!!
"Hiring Freeze" are key words to be looking for another position.
Don't even consider any type of notice because I can guarantee you this company would not give you one.
Mary PoolJune 23,2023 at 1:48PM UTC
You need to read your contract and probably consult an attorney. Many term contracts have clauses for the company and the employee to terminate the contract early. If I were you, I would start looking now. In this tight market, finding another position will probably take a bit of time. December is not that far away. If you find a position, let your manager know and see their response. In my experience, most managers will be helpful in the termination of the contract (after all, who wants an employee in their department that doesn’t want to be there?).
Debra SesholtzJune 23,2023 at 4:07PM UTC
Agree with the other comments… read your contract for early termination clause and start looking now. It may take awhile to find a new opportunity and December is not that far off. If you find something promising there may be room for negotiation on ending your contract early and providing the new company with a start date.
AnonymousJune 24,2023 at 1:57PM UTC
You are a contractor. They can terminate you tomorrow for no particular reason and you can leave tomorrow for no particular reason. You may have an agreement in which they state 2 weeks notice, but please. Like they'd spend the money suing you for that? Start looking immediately.
AnonymousJune 24,2023 at 3:49PM UTC
Given the current job market, start now.
Marcia SmithJune 24,2023 at 4:10PM UTC
It is NEVER too early to start looking for a new job - even if you like the job you are in. You never know what might be out there....
AnonymousJune 24,2023 at 5:40PM UTC
Read your contract, the obligations for exit should be drafted in there. If not then you should apply the same type of consideration that they would give to you, 2 weeks notice. Leaving a contract early is not a problem, don't burn the bridge and be sure to neatly wrap up whatever you are working on with any documentation needed. Assuming you are direct 1099 here close it out professionally and explain that you were offered a full time role that you simply could not pass up and knowing that they would not be offering you something permanent you had to make a difficult choice to leave and terminate the contract with them early. Start looking now because after the end of September the fall hiring slump is in full force usually through past the holidays. You may end up going much earlier than planned but it's all about you!
RebeccaJune 25,2023 at 12:21PM UTC
I would honestly look now. The job market is tough for developers and if you find a full time position that really vibes with you then take it. I’d rather be a full time employee than a contractor.
Megan LeasherJune 26,2023 at 11:57AM UTC
Start now. The market is weird and you don't know how long it will take you to land something you love.
Kimberly BabcockJune 26,2023 at 5:17PM UTC
It never hurts to have some conversations now. Let's you see what it out there. Grass might not be greener on the other side but you don't know unless you interview. I worked for Arena/PTC and hired a ton of engineers. On the Arena side all still love it there so it would be a good place to start. Runs like a smaller company.
AnonymousJune 26,2023 at 5:33PM UTC
I would definitely start looking for a new job now. I would conduct a search on google, Linkedin, Glassdoor, Indeed... and post on an association platform you belong to. Post your resume on their platforms. If there is a small company you are aware of then "follow" them on Linkedin so you are alerted when there are openings. Life is too short at any age to be working at a job you do not enjoy. You can always tell the company you are contracted with that a personal issue came up and you are sorry. Even though you don't like your current job, don't burn any bridges because you may need a reference one day. Therefore, provide them with a couple of weeks to one month notice.