What's the nicest way to quit in this situation?

[nutsnutspistachionuts]

I work several contract jobs. One of them is 2 days a week and mostly WFH, with one day a fortnight in the office. For various reasons I've decided it's not working out. I want to quit. We'll manage without the money.

I am on a FTC until end Dec. I also want to take 2 weeks off over Christmas. They've verbally indicated my contract will be extended but I haven't signed anything yet. I think legally I'd just be OK leaving at end of contract in Dec but I would be happy to give a bit more notice and work until they find someone new...but maybe they'd need to extend my contract to do that and it's more hassle than it's worth?

They are extremely nice people and I do not want to burn my bridges. I'd also be happy to freelance for them in future.

I'm WFH next Wednesday and in office on Thursday. Should I tell them over Teams on Wednesday morning so it's out in the open and we can plan on Thursday? Or is it better to fake enthusiasm for new projects on Wednesday and tell them in person on Thursday?

How should I play this?

I'd just say that as they are aware, your contract comes to an end in December. You won't be looking to renew it, so if they would like you to continue on a freelance basis until they find a replacement for you, then you would be happy to oblige. Your hourly rate would be £x.

Just tell them Wednesday. These days it doesn't really matter if you're WFH or in person, just tell them at the first chance.

If you wait until the Thursday they'll wonder why you faked your enthusiasm and didn't tell them sooner, might seem a bit odd.

Thanks both!

Yes I basically don't want to look weird or flaky -- but I also don't want to look arrogant like I assumed the contract would be extended. Feel weirdly socially awkward about it for some reason.

You can do it in a non-arrogant way, maybe say something along the lines of, "to help you plan for next year, just a reminder my contract ends on <date> so I'll not be here to see <project> go live."