How Temporary Work can Boost your Career
A recent survey undertaken by the websiteCareer Buildersuggests that more than a third of US companies will hire contract or temporary workers in 2012, a statistic that has increased steadily since 2009. Temporary contracts can help businesses plug skills shortages in a time when it is difficult to justify a permanent increase in the payroll, so it comes as no surprise to learn that this is a growing trend.
For some people, temporary work has always attracted a certain stigma. It's as though taking on temporary work is seen as an option taken only by those individuals that cannot get a permanent job. In fact, career-savvy individuals understand that temporary work can be agreat boost to your career. Here's why.
It helps you get invaluable skills and experience
Temporary work is a great tool for individuals looking to change career and or gain new skills. It is relatively easy to switch from one temporary role to another, so you could, for example, take the opportunity to try working for a certain company or in a certain job to see if it suits your needs. The lack of commitment required from the employers works both ways and many temporary workers quickly boost their resumes with valid experience, which can go on to help them command higher salaries in future roles.
It demonstrates a great work ethic
In the process of managing your career, your reputation is just as important as your skills and experience. Temporary employment can demonstrate a great work ethic on your part. It shows flexibility, adaptability and resourcefulness, all of which resonate well on your resume for future roles. Taking on temporary work is a great solution to a gap in your career. It shows that you are committed to working and keeps you current in the job market. It can be much harder to find a new role if you have slipped out of the routine and mindset of being at work.
It can lead to new opportunities
Many temporary roles lead to bigger and better things. Employers that are impressed with the performance and capabilities of a temporary worker will often offer them permanent roles. Many career professionals started on a temporary basis and went on to land executive positions. Any opportunity for networking should not be missed and a temporary role is always going to introduce you to a new pool of contacts.
It can be financially lucrative
Temporary work can be financially lucrative. The additional risk of not having the certainty of a permanent contract is often offset by the short-term financial gains of well-paid temporary roles. Indeed, many permanent employees go on to become temporary contractors, taking the skills and experiences learned and selling them on the market for the highest rates. Employers are often willing to pay very high rates for scarce or specialist skills on a short-term, temporary basis.
It can help boost or renew motivation
Working on a temporary basis is very different to having a permanent role. There is a reduced tendency to be affected by office politics. It can be a great opportunity to balance work and life a little more equally and you don't need to worry about some of the internal development processes and procedures that go with permanent employment. Many individuals leave permanent employment and take on temporary work as an opportunity simply to clear their head or renew motivation after years in a specific role.
Temporary work is no longer the dead-end, time-wasting exercise that it was previously perceived by some to be. Temporary work can financially lucrative and just as helpful in developing a great career as permanent work. For many people, it surpasses what they could achieve in the permanent job market.
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