Quandary

[batskeets]

Well, here's an ethical quandary I didn't need. :p

The short version: I did some subcontracting work for a pretty big-deal Agency. Agency was super-happy with my work, and is likely to send me more (yay!), and their Client was also happy.

Fast-forward to yesterday, when I receive an inquiry e-mail from Client. Client apparently got my info, and they're looking for someone to do a similar job to what I did for them through Agency, for another site of theirs.

On the one hand, hooray, work! On the other hand, I feel kind of funny about the situation. I feel like taking this work could read as a douche-y maneuver, and I wouldn't want to take the work Client is offering if it would sully my new relationship with Agency. Primary reason being that, I am not a douchebag, and I want to do right by all parties involved. I actually really enjoyed working with Agency. They are cool and reasonable people, they do top-notch work, and they have their shit together.

And you know? even a douchebag would recognize that it doesn't make financial sense to take a one-time job from Client if it would mean losing multiple jobs from Agency.

So, tell me, lazyweb: am I right to feel funny about this? Or am I worrying over nothing?

Comments

[dithie.livejournal.com]

Can you give Agency a heads-up about it? reiterate how much you enjoyed working with them while at the same time articulating that you'll be taking this job since Client approached YOU (and not the other way around)?

[skeets.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was referred to Agency by a recruiter, so I might ask the recruiter what she thinks. (she's been really supportive throughout the process)

I don't even know if I'm going to take the job, since I don't know enough of the particulars yet, heh.

[aniline.livejournal.com]

I'd go with what the recruiter thinks, but I think letting the agency know might be a good idea. I think you're right, it could possibly appear to the agency that you poached their client, so I'd let the agency know that the client approached you and you just wanted to keep everything cool.

[aacchh.livejournal.com]

Checking in to say what dithie said above. I would just ask informally, not by email but over the phone, or even drop by her office casually. A recruiter would be very familiar with this kind of question and it would be pretty obvious that you are trying to do the right thing.

[uberjackalope.livejournal.com]

This is what I was thinking. If they were friendly and easy to work with, I imagine they'd be pretty understanding about this, and they'd likely appreciate you even more for keeping everything above-board.

Do you know how the client got your information? Was it from Agency itself? (That seems like it would be weird, but who knows.)

[skeets.livejournal.com]

I had my Author name and link in one of the files I coded--it's a pretty standard practice for coding themes--so I'm guessing they saw it there.

[moonchylde.livejournal.com]

Hm, does Client have any prior relationship with Agency? If it was a one-time thing, hopefully Agency would be okay with you taking the new project.

[mrwiz.livejournal.com]

How will the Agency even know? As a freelancer they shouldn't reasonably expect you to turn down work like that. Also, a lot of company use recruiters to "try out" new people and then just cut out the middle man in the future if they really like the work. You aren't doing anything sneaky or immoral if you ask me.

[dark-knight-l.livejournal.com]

I've been going through a very similar thing with my temp agency contract - not wanting to screw over/sully my reputation with a group that has provided me with many employment opportunities, while at the same time wanting dollars. What I ended up doing was just putting my cards on the table with the agency and explaining that this is what is going on, I would defer to you guys if you ask me to, but my relationship with you is my priority. Luckily they took things very well and gave me their blessing, but, if they didn't, I would have stuck with them, as it's silly to burn down a bakery to get a loaf of bread.

So I'd recommend talking to them about the situation and see what they say. If it's cool, go for it! If not, talk to the client and explain that you'd love to help them but work through the agency. That's the best I can offer.

Good luck!