Taking a temporary or contract role instead of a permanent position can offer several advantages. Your career goals, lifestyle, or current circumstances should all be considered when choosing a job. Let’s explore some common reasons why a contract role might be the right fit for you.
Provides Flexibility
Contract positions typically have a defined timeframe and known end date. This provides flexibility if there are factors in your life that limit your ability to commit long-term. If your responsibilities include caregiving, there may be times of the year that require you to be available for others which impacts your desire to be employed permanently. If you ’re investing in your education, you may be working towards a long-term placement but haven’t developed the full array of skills needed to land your desired role. A contract role provides income as you develop your skills further.
Supports a Career Transition
Are you considering a career change? Contract roles are good opportunities to “test the waters” in a new industry or function. A contract role can give you exposure to an industry so you can determine if it is a long-term fit. If it is, your staffing company will be a valuable resource to help you convert to a full-time employee either at your assigned company or at a similar one. If your contract role doesn’t turn out to be a fit, you haven’t wasted your time or an employer’s. You’ve learned about an industry that isn’t a fit and you made connections that may benefit you in the future. At a minimum, you can add more professional experience to your resume. You may also have new skills for your resume.
Diversifies Your Skillset
Similar to the benefit of short-term work for career transition exposure, contract roles can help you gain experience across multiple areas especially if you are early in your career. Working for a variety of employers and on different projects provides a more dynamic and diverse work experience than the routine nature of a permanent role. Your contract role may expose you to emerging technology or solutions to business challenges that are transferrable. You’ll be exposed to a variety of tasks and industries, helping you broaden your skill set and become more versatile in your career.
Provides Networking Opportunities
You can’t fully predict the path of your career. You may have goals in mind for your career, but opportunities and circumstances change. You’ll want to build a network of professionals to help you in your career. Short-term contract roles offer you a chance to connect with people you might not have met otherwise. Fostering mutually beneficial relationships with a variety of people can lead to job opportunities in the future whether short- or long-term.
Contractor Roles Embraced
You may opt for a temporary role instead of a permanent position for various reasons, including flexibility, career exploration, skill development, and networking. Temporary work offers you the chance to build experience or avoid long-term commitment. It’s particularly useful when you are exploring a new career or need greater control over your work-life balance. By providing the opportunity for career growth, financial stability, and professional networking, temporary roles are a smart strategic choice.
