Most assignments end just as everyone expects: the project’s over, the
contracts run out, and the gang parts ways. There are also times when you
have to leave the party early. This is especially typical of
revolving-door, staff-augmentation jobs for which the party never ends.

For one, you may have to leave a gig because it’s a bad
fit: it’s just not what you thought it would be, and it’s a poor
match for your skill set and career path. Maybe the client or recruiter
misrepresented the post, or your hopes were too high when you signed on.

Thanks to client love, it’s also possible for you to just
be around too long. You notice the client has lost their
professional distance, even though you’ve maintained yours. You’re getting
dragged into office politics or personal skirmishes. You outlast most of
the salaried, “permanent” crew.

Sticking with the same client too long can also lead to work that’s
no longer challenging in that career-building way. That could
hurt your resume and otherwise impact your ability to land The Next Gig.

Tumultous change is a prime exit queue. Has your client
been mentioned in a few too many articles concerning federal investigation?
Have you seen several unexpected “good-bye” e-mails in recent weeks? If the
client or project is going downhill, pack your bags and keep an eye on the
exit. You don’t want to be the last one off this ride.

Social reasons also make the list. Perhaps your spouse got an
out-of-state job or, better yet, you landed yourself an out-of-state
spouse. Depending on the client and type of assignment, you may be able to
swing a brief telecommuting deal to soften the blow of your departure.

Related to that last point, note when your personal barometer has gone
off the scales. If the project’s too crazy — yes, some clients pride
themselves in being overkill — or you otherwise can’t face the thought of
going back, it’s time to throw in the towel. Knowing there’s a light at
the end of the tunnel can help you make it through those last couple of
weeks.

Knowing when to leave a gig is just as important as getting it in the first
place. Watch for the warning signs so you know when it’s time to make your
exit. Sticking around when it’s time to go — even when the client doesn’t
see it — can impact your professional reputation and hinder you from
finding The Next (hopefully more suitable) Gig.