CONTRACT vs. PERMANENT
If you cringe at the possibility of continually changing jobs or have a need to see the long term impact
of your efforts in an organization, you would probably be better off seeking permanent work, either
through a recruiter or on your own. But if you like new challenges, and enjoy a change of scenery every
year or so, contracting may be well suited to your lifestyle.
With the changing employment environment of the 90's, it's easy to get confused on the available career
options. Many job-seekers fear the "new workplace", thinking that the increase in contract and temporary
employment and the apparent decline in "permanent" positions with big conglomerates is equal to less job
security.
Well, in some ways they're right. No longer can companies afford lifetime appointments for employees
especially in the high tech arena. Today's corporation has to be lean and mean, able to ramp up or ramp
down quickly.
Some high tech companies hire only contractors. Others may use them exclusively for project work,
which may include programming or engineering services. Most will tell you that the flexibility and cost-
effectiveness that contracting provides is essential to the ever-changing nature of technology business.
You can use these new developments to your advantage.
One fact will not change: Employees will always be the most valuable asset in any organization. You can
make the new workplace work for you by finding the most reliable information available and having the
right people in your comer.
The first thing you should do is research what you really want to do assess your skills and get moving.
Benefits of Contracting:
Pays an average of 20% more than permanent employment.
Allows you to get your foot in the door and make contacts.
Helps you build your skill levels at various companies in a shorter amount of time.
Presents variety and flexibility along with new challenges.
Allows you to "audition" new positions, companies, bosses and corporate culture before
committing to a permanent job.
Helps you to avoid the usual office politics.
Drawbacks of Contracting:
A contractor's pay may be higher, but he or she may not be qualified for stock options
and other benefits.
A contractor also will not be an official employee of the company, but rather of the employing
agency, so benefits will come from the agency. (Although they may be quite suitable)
And, at least initially, you probably won't be a part of the long-range plans of the company
but rather will be responsible for projects which utilize your specific skills. "Get in, get it done,
and move on".
Like it or not, contract employment is here to stay and its use will continue to grow, especially for technical
workers. Just like the companies you will be working for, you need to adapt to constant change. If you decide
to explore contracting, you will probably find more jobs to choose from, with higher pay and more flexibility
