Signs of a Concerning Contract
There are many benefits to being an independent contractor, unfortunately not all contracts are created equal. Whether you are new to contracting or you have been contracting for years, you may find yourself in a contract that isn’t a good fit for you. If something seems off, it’s worth looking into. You deserve to be in a contracting relationship that is right for you.
Indicators of a Concerning Contracting Relationship
Below are some things that can be concerning. If you notice any of these things happening in your contract relationship you may want to assess whether this relationship is right for you.
- You don’t have control over the treatment you provide. If you aren’t able to determine the best course of treatment for your clients or are pushed to see clients that are outside of your scope of practice you may be in a concerning contracting relationship. As an independent contractor it is important that you have control over the treatment you provide and who you see. No one can specialize in everything, it is appropriate to want to see clients that you feel you are best able to serve.
- Your schedule is determined by someone else. You are an independent contractor, you should be able to control your schedule. If you are in a contract where you are told how to set your schedule it may not be a good fit.
- You signed a non-compete. Non-competes are all over the news these days. There is a lot of debate over whether they should be allowed in an employee/employer relationship. They certainly don’t have a place in a 1099 contracting relationship. You are technically your own business as an independent contractor, you can hold as many contracts as you like. It is important to make sure to maintain boundaries and keep everything ethically on the up and up of course, but a non-compete can be rather problematic.
- Payment isn’t outlined or defined. A contract should be specific about what your rates will be and how you will be paid. This is not a place for ambiguity. You deserve to know how and when you will be paid.
- Expectations are unclear. A reasonable contract should outline expectations of you as a provider as well as what you can expect from the practice or company you are contracting with. As a therapist, you are likely aware of the damage unrealistic expectations can cause. It is important that your contract outlines this.
- Lack of communication. A good contracting relationship will include good communication. It is important that you feel supported and that you can ask questions. While no one can be available 24/7, you deserve to feel confident that you will receive a response to your questions and inquiries. Being read in on the goings on and changes in our profession are also important. A healthy contracting relationship will include healthy communication.
- Limited support. Again, support is important when you are contracting. This can get complicated when expectations aren’t outlined in your contract or are ambiguous. A contracting relationship that is right for you will provide the amount of support you need to feel successful.
- Questionable practices. Hopefully, you never end up in a contracting relationship where you are concerned about how ethical the practices of the company are. In a perfect world, everyone would only practice ethically. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world. If you are concerned about how the company you are contracted with practices you may be in a contract that isn’t right for you.
Lists are great, but they aren’t all inclusive. The above are some signs that you may be in a contracting relationship that isn’t healthy or isn’t right for you. If things don’t feel right, dig deeper. Explore whether you want to continue the contracting relationship once you have fulfilled your contract.
If you are a therapist in North Carolina and interested in learning more about contracting with Carolina Counseling Services, please email your cover letter and resume to applicants@carolinacounselingservices.com. We look forward to hearing from you!