'checking out'.
Bit conflicted on this. Way back when, the enthusiasm for the job (contract) usually won through, it meant carrying a lazy good for nothing fool occasionally but it could be a laugh. The end of the contract was always a bit tricky, because with the end in sight there'd be a downing of tools and a very thorough (slow!) wrapping up of the job. Some firms knew the game, and some pretended to be holier than Jesus. The firms and officials we didn't like we'd have fun with, especially when they tried to single out one of the workers. Staff jobs were another matter, did they ever want a quart of blood. This is where taking the pish came into it's own, balls up an expensive job a few times and get them talking replacements, especially when there is a deadline. Oh the fun to be had.
The key to this last bit is having something lined up, some wannabe hitler of a manager? be as much of an underhand prick to him as possible when you've a new start a few days away, egg him on to sack you, especially if they'd struggled to get you in in the first place. This is where online reviews have become key... "worked here between X and Y, dealt with manager JW* (always initials, never names) got to say one of the worst atmospheres to work in ever, unrealistic demands, casing you for work done quicker than possible, none stop barrage of negativity, know why they struggled for a replacement to the last poor soul they brow beat out of the door, better off on the dole than in this nightmare, avoid avoid avoid" (leave it anonymous, but clearly as a reaction to your leaving). Spread this around the online review sites, or better yet, the company homepage and see if you can illicit an email or for more lols a phone call in reply. Now sometimes they might be a bit peeved and try to delay paying up your last paycheck, having the accounts dept email and phone number here helps, especially when you casually throw 'industrial tribunal' into the conversation. Don't forget once you sign up (staff job) you are earning holiday time in hand from minute one, you have a right to this and there is no shame repeatedly reminding them of this fact.
I have utterly hated and despised some of the morons that have tried to tell me how to do a job, I've got the skills and experience pal, that's why I'm on the big bucks, if this is so bleedin' easy, you 'kin do it!
Enjoy it as much as you can, rinse it, you are a long time retired, the camaraderie in the trenches, the finding impossible solutions, succeeding in spite of the know nothings, jobs done well, satisfaction, and going the bar at the end of the day.
*for instance.
