I work as a software tester and usually take contracting gigs that last anywhere from 6 months to a year. I come in, help a team test some new big release they are working on then leave.
Before that I worked as an automation programmer, usually with NUnit. I don't like the switch to point and click record your actions automation and refuse to use it, most are garbage but a lot of companies that know nothing about automation want some kind of automation as its the new buzz word and can save them so much time and money.
So I start this new contract as a manual tester for an oil pipeline company. They already have two people trying to use Microsoft's launch and record automation and it's not going well. My idiot recruiter mentions to them I have automation experience after they ask him if he has anyone else they could hire.
So my manager calls me to his office, explains the situation and just matter of factly tells me they are going to switch me to automation and one of them will take over my manual testing job. Now I'm not a pushover, I'm used to hard negotiating as a contractor, but I've never been in this kind of situation before, and I need this contract.
So I thought fuck it and just said “No thank you, I was hired for the manual testing position.” He goes on to explain how the current automation tester isn't working out that's why they're making the change. I simply repeated I don't want to. He stares at me incredulously for what feels like hours but probably only a couple seconds before saying what sounds like a veiled threat “Well alright, the automation guy has been here longer and we have to move him, so we'll see what happens.”
So now I get to sit here wondering if I'll lose my contract for standing up for myself.