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Are contracts second rate jobs?
Contract work is becoming popular and common. It can be part-time or full-time with some or no benefits. For the purpose of this blog, let's assume that most contract work is 12 months in duration.
Perhaps you've noticed a proliferation in contract work from job postings, company research or through your networking with friends and colleagues. Contracts are a strategic HR choice as a short term investment in human captial. But what's in it for you compared to a permanent position? Are these silver or even bronze medal jobs? Are they second rate? A cop-out? A "I guess I'll take it because there's nothing else, but boy I wish I had long-term security" situation?
Here are just a few reasons, and I'm sure there are more, to keep in mind on how CONTRACTS CAN BENEFITS YOU.
1. Contracts have start and end dates; this gives you timelines to work with for future plans.
2. You can test-drive the organization and/or industry.
3. You can test drive the functional role or position, which may possibly make it easier to jump to another role instead of waiting for a promotion - wow, think about that!
4. You'll have another reference in 12 months.
5. You can discuss terms that matter to you and work out an arrangement that is mutually agreeable: start and end date, hours of work, days of work, parking, vacation. Having flexibility around things that matter to you can make up for the lack of permanent status.
6. You have an easy out if you don't want to stay.
7. You can feel confident signing a permanent contract if one transpires.
8. Even permanent jobs are insecure.
In answer to the subject question, is it a second rate job if it's not a permanent position? No. It's a legitimate company need and an income earning opportunity. So how do you work with people that are permanent when you aren't? Demonstrating professionalism and solid skills shows your value regardless. When your actions are synonymous with a high-performing permanent employee, it increases your probability in getting the opportunity for a status change.
Perhaps you've noticed a proliferation in contract work from job postings, company research or through your networking with friends and colleagues. Contracts are a strategic HR choice as a short term investment in human captial. But what's in it for you compared to a permanent position? Are these silver or even bronze medal jobs? Are they second rate? A cop-out? A "I guess I'll take it because there's nothing else, but boy I wish I had long-term security" situation?
Here are just a few reasons, and I'm sure there are more, to keep in mind on how CONTRACTS CAN BENEFITS YOU.
1. Contracts have start and end dates; this gives you timelines to work with for future plans.
2. You can test-drive the organization and/or industry.
3. You can test drive the functional role or position, which may possibly make it easier to jump to another role instead of waiting for a promotion - wow, think about that!
4. You'll have another reference in 12 months.
5. You can discuss terms that matter to you and work out an arrangement that is mutually agreeable: start and end date, hours of work, days of work, parking, vacation. Having flexibility around things that matter to you can make up for the lack of permanent status.
6. You have an easy out if you don't want to stay.
7. You can feel confident signing a permanent contract if one transpires.
8. Even permanent jobs are insecure.
In answer to the subject question, is it a second rate job if it's not a permanent position? No. It's a legitimate company need and an income earning opportunity. So how do you work with people that are permanent when you aren't? Demonstrating professionalism and solid skills shows your value regardless. When your actions are synonymous with a high-performing permanent employee, it increases your probability in getting the opportunity for a status change.
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© 2012 Created by Chris Russell.
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