Permanent vs Contract

If the possibility of regularly changing jobs or not seeing the long term impact of your efforts in an organisation makes you feel uneasy, you would probably be better off seeking permanent work, either through a recruiter or on your own. However, if you like new challenges, enjoy a change of scenery every year or so, contracting may be well suited to your lifestyle.

With the changing employment environment of the new millennium, 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.

In some ways they're right. No longer can companies afford lifetime appointments for employees, especially in the IT arena. Today's corporation has to be lean and mean, and able to ramp up or ramp down quickly.

Some IT companies hire only contractors. Others may use them exclusively for project work. 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 assets in any organisation. You can make the new workplace work for you by finding the most reliable information available and having the right people in your corner.

The first thing you should do is research what you really want to do, assess your skills and get moving.

If you like new challenges, and enjoy a change of scenery
every year or so, contracting may be well suited to your lifestyle.

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 share options and other benefits common to 'permanent' staff
• 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 utilise your specific skills. "Get in, get it done, and move on".

Contract employment is here to stay and its use will continue to grow, especially for IT 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. Our Account Managers are happy to speak with you about contracting options, so why not contact us now?