You are NOT an employee, don't get too comfortable...

So you are new to contracting or maybe you have been around at the same client for a long time. Watch out! A fatal mistake some contractors make is acting like an employee at their client.

You play golf with the boss, you get invited to the holiday parties, you take days off for team building events, you get invited to going away parties... Don't be fooled. Even though you may feel like part of "the family" you are not, and you never will! Too many times have I seen consultants get burned for letting their guard down because they are too comfortable at their client.

I have seen consultants that are too argumentative because of a comfort level gained by a colleague and then get fired for the same reason. I have also seen instances where consultants get too comfortable with their peers and managers and then are mystified when they are let go because they spoke and acted as openly as some of the employee's about others, managers and organizational dysfunction.

In these cases, it is never easy to be let go, but it is easier if you don't set yourself up with false expectations that you are one of "them".

Remember, when companies look to cut costs, reduce staff or cut projects, consultants are typically the first to get cut. It is much easier to fire a consultant than it is an employee. Regardless how well you enjoy your gig, enjoy your boss, enjoy your coworkers, if you plan for the inevitable that all good things must end, it doesn't hurt as bad when it does.

If you stick to behaving like a consultant, and treating everyone you work with as a customer - no matter what, you will be able to see more opportunities come your way, receive a greater level of respect and become overall more successful!

Look for my next post about "What it means to be an IT Contract Consultant!"

Until next time...