Deciding whether to apply for a permanent or temporary role is a critical choice in any job search. Each job type comes with a distinct set of traits that – depending on your circumstances – are either beneficial or not.
Temporary jobs are a great way to gain experience and make some money without making a long-term commitment. They offer opportunities to gain valuable skills, build your resume and even get a foot in the door for a permanent position. At their core, temporary jobs are short-term assignments that generally last between one and six months. They can be full-time or part-time depending on the employer and the job requirements. Common industries for temporary jobs include hospitality, administrative, accounting, retail, and education.
Temporary jobs are often a great way to start a career or to gain experience. They provide valuable insight into the industry and can lead to long-term career success. Plus, many employers are open to hiring temporary workers and transitioning them into a permanent position. Overall, these jobs are a great way to gain experience, develop skills and make some money. They offer flexibility, opportunities to learn and the potential to transition into a permanent position. If you’re looking for a job that offers short-term commitment and potential long-term success, a temporary job may be the perfect fit for you.
The Pros and Cons of Temporary Jobs
Temporary jobs can be a great option for people who are looking for short-term employment, or for those who need flexible working hours. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider before taking on a temporary job. In this blog post, we'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of temporary jobs so you can make an informed decision about your own employment situation.
Potential Advantages of Temp Jobs:
- Flexibility - One of the biggest benefits of a temporary job is the flexibility it offers. Many temporary jobs are project-based, so you can choose when and how often you work. This makes it easier to fit your job around other commitments, such as studying or caring for a family. However, not all temporary contractors will allow this, but some may offer you flexible hours along with flexible shift patterns.
- Potential for a Permanent Position - Temporary jobs often involve different tasks and responsibilities than a permanent job. This gives you the opportunity to gain a variety of skills and experience, which can be invaluable when looking for a permanent job. In fact, this is a common approach used by workers who want to be employed by certain businesses. When a business places the advert for temporary work, they will be looking for a member of staff to help them out whilst they are short staffed.
- Gaining Additional Skills and Knowledge - Your temporary job may be completely different to any occupation or role you have ever worked in before, but with a keen interest you will gain practical experience which will be invaluable in helping you bridge the gap between professions. Without having this experience and knowledge, it would be much more difficult to apply for a job within the different field.
- Networking - Temporary jobs provide a great opportunity to network with other professionals in our industry. This can help you to get your foot in the door for more permanent positions and make valuable connections.
- Fewer Gaps in your Resume - If you recently lost your job or left without another job to go too, you will be unemployed for an undetermined period of time before you find another job. Not only does this leave you with no income, but you will also be left with a gap on your resume where you have been unemployed.
- Additional Source of Income - These temporary jobs can often pay more than permanent jobs, and you may be able to negotiate a higher rate of pay. This can be a great way to supplement your income while you’re looking for a permanent job.
Another benefit of temporary jobs is that they can provide valuable experience that you can use to bolster your resume. Temporary jobs often involve different duties and skills than those of a permanent job, so you may be able to learn valuable skills that you can use in a more permanent job.
Potential Disadvantages of Temp Jobs:
- Lack of Job Security - Temporary jobs typically don’t offer long-term contracts, and they can end at any time. This means that workers don’t have the same job stability as long-term employees, and they may find themselves without a job before they’ve had the chance to build up a strong resume. This can leave you without a job and no source of income. You may be able to find another temporary job once your current one finishes but it may come with a risk of how soon you can find one which is asking for an immediate start.
- Lower Pay Grade or Lack of Benefits - These jobs usually don’t offer things like health insurance, paid vacation, or retirement plans. This means that workers have to pay for these things out of pocket, which can be difficult if they’re not making a lot of money. Due to a temporary worker only being there for a short amount of time, they will be more than likely offered the national minimum wage.
- Less Job Satisfaction - Workers don’t have the same level of job security or career advancement opportunities as those who have long-term positions. This can lead to a feeling of dissatisfaction and a lack of motivation. Similar to the things we have covered, there is less chance of you progressing up the career ladder. The likelihood of you progressing up the career ladder during a temporary job is very unlikely due to you not being there long enough.
Finally, some employers may view temporary workers as less committed to their job than those with permanent positions. This could mean that you are less likely to be offered a promotion or other opportunities for advancement. Overall, temporary jobs can be a great option for those who need flexible work hours or short-term employment. However, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks before committing to a temporary position. By weighing the pros and cons, you'll be able to make an informed decision about your own employment situation.
Regardless of what type of job you pursue, make your resume is optimized for the job you're applying for. EarnBetter can do this for you - for free - at earnbetter.com.
