GONE are the days when being a temp or short-term employee was just a steppingstone to a regular job. At present, it’s a full-fledged career choice that many people want to pursue. Here are some of the pros and cons concerning the subject.
Did you ever wish you had a flexible work schedule? Are you the kind that seeks to work only three days a week? Or one who likes to take up only those projects that interest you, no matter how short or long they last? Then, contract work might just be THE answer for you. Contrary to the stereotypical outlook of “temps” being clerks carrying out administrative functions, a major part of the contract workforce is engaged in management, scientific research (mainly biotech), IT, ITES, accounting & finance and engineering. People prefer it because they like the flexible nature of the assignment, exposure to different industries and the new environment they get to work in and fresh faces they come across with each assignment.
A contract job carries certain advantages over permanent employment. Of course, there are some drawbacks as well. Before taking up the contract position, ensure you answer the following questions:
Does the contract position holds out the promise of being a temp-to-permanent position?
What is it about this specific contract position that appeals to you, both from a technology standpoint and from your skill- set enhancement standpoint?