I learnt this one the hard way. After I had interviewed and been selected for a 1 year engagement, I got a call from the hiring manager that he just had a change of boss and need to re-vet the position. (I should have smelled a rodent. I know hind site 20-20) A week later the guy calls back and says you can start in two weeks time as I was finishing something else.

The Day I walk in, I am greeted by an unknown entity wondering why am I here and the hiring manager is nowhere to be found. It transpires that during the two weeks time he quit himself and walked out and his new boss refused to honor the contract stating he hired someone else for the position since he was not aware I had a signed contract offer.

Lesson Learnt, ask the question, will you be still here when I walk in ?

I wholeheartedly agree with

SME = Small Minded Employee.

Having been at the receiving end of such a employee's Job insecurity at the same client above.