The waiting game...

[zodiac_jon]

New to the contracting gig and have a question.

Is it common to have to jump through the hoops for the company (paperwork, passport, med/dental, etc), only to have them tell you to just standby? I was told they wanted me, yet I've been in a holding pattern for close to two months.

I never signed a contract of employment but did receive notification that I have met their reqs and that deployment dates arise with as little as 5 days notice, so to make every effort to prepare for a quick turn-around.

I understand it is their gig and they don't owe me jack, but I don't want to sit idle (thinking I have something lined up) when I could pursuing other avenues.

Just curious as to the experiences of others...i.e., if this is par for the course, or this sounds shady, etc? Your input is greatly appreciated.

(I've intentionally not listed the company; contact me via PM if you wish to know)

[Silverbullet]

You should apply to other companies. If this comes through you haven't lost anything. If it doesn't you haven't wasted time waiting on only them. The only issue is if you are applying for a company that needs DOS to adjudicate a clearance. Can't have 2 companies on the same contract trying to get you cleared.

[10thvet]

I had to wait 2 months once and 3 months on another gig. Both of those where for DOS clearance issues. Like SB said dont wait around... go to other companies and see what they can do...

Oh by the way welcome to the world of the IC... Hopefuly this is the only snag you will come across
Good luck and make sure you read the great information around here

PM inbound

[zodiac_jon]

thanks. I have read everything on this forum (I think?)...very badass resource.

[Argyll 50]

Welcome to the hard facts of contracting!....
Don't wait for work to come to you, you must go and seek it, I know guys who have been waiting almost a year with a UK company, with hopes dashed on a monthly basis....I waited 4 months, couldn't wait any longer, got off my arse and began networking, I've been employed for 6 solid months now,with just 14 of these days back on R&R.

[Scout_22]

I started 2 months before I EAS'd and I've been out for a month now and am still waiting. It's still looking good but after finally getting through the companies guantlet of approval I'm waiting another 45 days for "client" approval. Network, network, network, where some people don't know anyone in the inside and have to wait it out I've heard of guys getting a job by word of mouth. Stay strong!

[climber]

Hey There,

I have been stung sitting idle once before, just when I was getting into the IC business, it was my first contract pickup, I got told I was leaving in 2 weeks and then stopped looking and waited for the date to come for my departure, got told I was leaving in three days and the day came and nothing happened. Phoned them and they said I was now got going. Like they say learn from the mistakes of others and your mistakes. DONT SIT IDLE like i did keep looking. I have a contract now but STILL look for work always have two or three things on the backburner.

[iraqgunz]

Had the same problem with (2) companies running my clearance through at the same time. DoS said "Make up your fucking mind already. " The waiting is what it is...Definitely explore all options and have plan A, B and C ready.

[RGR_Dan]

Take a job that gets your ass here. Being too picky or putting all your eggs in one basket keeps you unemployed.

[OZEbullfighter]

I agree with last post.. However i am willing to do anything scrub tilets to get in the box or anywhere and get back to what i love doing, But i am new to the game and a little inexperinced by the things i read in here...

so any company's need a toilet scrubbber????

[rgrdrew]

Already been said before, but when I first got to AF last December, my boss at the time said "...if you don't have at least 2 or 3 contingencies in this business, you are wrong...". This played out less than a week later when the company we came over with lost the contract and left us all looking for work. It was definitely a benefit to already be in country and I was able to find work that has paid for the last 9 months. I never forgot the advice, and due to that I'm starting a new gig tomorrow here in Kabul, for more pay, longer term and with people I already know. It definitely pays to network, and always keep in mind your current contract can be terminated next week. Contingencies, contingencies, contingencies.