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I have chosen contract temporary assignments over permanent work for years. I like the short term nature of the positions knowing I’m not invested long term I feel I am appreciated more. They don’t take advantage like permanent managers do. Yes, no benefits but the pay is hourly which ends up being higher than salary so I can cover my own benefits. I put in my hours and have a much higher wlb and quality of life. I don’t take it home either me. No expectations to work weekends, holidays or vacations. You learn at an accelerated pace given I change industry and software frequently with new assignments. Highly recommend.
DXC- I feel you learn in every position even if it is the same position you’ve had previously, including new software or processes. Much depends on the market you are in and the unemployment rates. When it is harder to find talent, they often take on new talent that requires more training specific to their needs. A resume of past education/experience often reveals the trainability of the candidate.
Candidates that check off 50% of the desired qualifications should apply to positions vs waiting till you check all the boxes. There are more jobs than there are bodies so training is necessary to fill spots. If training is expected in a new pivot role then one should expect compensation at the lower end of the range until new skills acquired.
Full time jobs aren’t always stable either but they tend to have better benefits. Honestly I would evaluate it the same way ($$$, benefits, RTO vs WFH) but know the contract position will probably end at some point within the next 2 years
Full time jobs are just contracts under the wraps. They can fire you or lay you off at any moment. In fact, a contract is superior because at least you are ready.
I am doing the same. As a creative in my late 50s I am done with the grind. I have three good clients now and the company that let me go is bringing me back on as a contractor. I’ll make almost as much as I was making when I was full time with fewer hours and none of the corporate BS. It’s worth it to never have to do another annual review or corporate goal setting.
Chief
The pay in both roles is not the same, if you carry the insurance for your family. Working in the contract role would actually be a payout if you have to rely on the open market for insurance. Just something to think about.
For me as the sole income for my family, medical benefits are the most important and is what usually stops me from choosing contract work over being an employee, but if you’ve got that covered by a spouse then it makes it easier. Also as a contractor, I’d weigh the pros and cons tax wise. You could take more deductions, but you’d need to manage with holdings yourself. If you’re comfortable with the ins and outs financially, then it can give you more flexibility. Some contractors also get overtime pay which means more money.
I was a contractor for awhile and was then converted to FTE. I am much happier as a FTE just given all of the perks, not having to worry about taking unpaid time off etc. With that being said, the role I was in really shouldn’t have been a contract role (it was a business critical role), so might be different as a true, project-based contractor.
1. The contract might be listed or described as temporary, but UX contract roles are often renewed automatically in advance of the 'end' date. It's perfectly fine for you to ask if the role has the potential to be extended, and/or if the company has other contract team members.
2. If the contract position is being handled / negotiated through a third party placement firm, or a dedicated contract placement department within the corporation where you'll work, benefits might still be available. I have gotten medical, vision, dental and pet care insurance, as well as 401(k) matching, this way sometimes. You might have to put in 30 or 60 days before you qualify, and/or the health insurance might not cover everything you're used to. But, it's possible.
One more thing ...
3. Make sure you're getting paid via W2 and not 1099, if possible. Otherwise you'll be paying your own taxes etc. and that is a pain in the neck.
I meant to type: In full not I'm full