The job market is in a state of flux right now, which is making things pretty tough for job seekers. While many wait for their dream jobs, they can get offers for more temporary positions. The question to ask yourself is whether temporary employment is right for you. There are both pros and cons to consider before you make your decision.
As the preferred career accelerator, HiCounselor is aware of the choices people face when they’re looking for work. Not every option that comes your way is stable and long-term. That doesn’t mean you have to reject it. Read on to find out if temporary employment is right for you. If you’d like some assistance in navigating the job market, contact us and have a chat with one of our friendly experts.
1. Try Out A New Role
Taking up temporary employment might be right for you if you’ve always wondered whether a certain career might be right for you. If you’re considering a career change and aren’t sure about it, taking up temporary employment in the field will help you out. Temp jobs are also a good option for those who are new to the corporate world and need to get some real-world experience.
2. Avoid Resume Gaps
Some employers are very suspicious about gaps in a resume. They think it shows a lack of seriousness about your career. If you already have some gaps on your resume, you might want to take on temporary employment to show you are willing to work even in circumstances that aren’t ideal. Around 51% of recruiters consider long periods (at least 6 months) of temp jobs like full-time jobs anyway.
3. Bring Home A Paycheck
It isn’t easy saving emergency funds with the high cost of living, especially if you live in a large city. If you don’t have the necessary savings to be jobless for a while, it’s better to pick up temporary employment. Running out of money can lead to unwelcome situations, like not having food, utilities, transport, or even a home. Considering that, getting a temp job will at least bring home some money.
4. Pick Up New Skills
Even if the temporary employment isn’t directly related to your career field, it can help you learn new skills and tools. You’d be surprised about what recruiters can find attractive in a candidate’s resume. Sometimes, having a bunch of unrelated skills can give you an edge, especially in today’s constantly evolving job market. Picking up new skills can help increase your market value.
5. Easier Job Hunt
If you look for work while you’re employed, you can do so at your own pace. You also won’t be tempted to settle for a position or paycheck that’s less than what you deserve. When we job hunt while we’re unemployed, we get desperate and take up job offers that are beneath us. It’s much better to opt for temporary employment rather than take on a full-time role that isn’t right for you.
6. May Lead To Permanency
If your temporary employment period goes well, you might find yourself being offered a full-time position. We’ve seen this happen in our own workplaces. If a temp worker performs well and a full-time position opens up, it’s easier to hire someone who won’t need to be trained. Sometimes employees are so good at their temp jobs that employers go on to create a full-time position for them.
7. Might Feel Isolated
One of the biggest drawbacks of taking up temporary employment is the way coworkers treat you. If they know you’re not going to be there long, some don’t really make an effort to include you. It can make you feel like you’re alone even when you’re surrounded by people. Some people can roll with it, while others find it crushing to be so overlooked. Know which side you fall on before you pick up a temp job.
8. Fewer Benefits
The nature of temporary employment is such that usually you get fewer benefits than full-time employees. Things like sick days and paid vacations, for example, aren’t part of the package. Even the pay packages of temp workers aren’t equal to what the permanent employees make, though they often work the same amount. It can seem unfair but most temporary workers make their peace with it.
9. Sense of Uncertainty
Temporary employment usually comes with a degree of uncertainty. There are some people who can take not knowing how long the job will last or when they’ll get the next job (and the next paycheck). There are others who will get stressed out and anxious about the uncertain nature of the role. You should know how you’ll cope with this before you decide to take up a temporary gig.
10. Other Employment Options
Getting temporary employment may not be your only option. There are other avenues to consider, such as freelancing and contract work. Both of these options are also not full-time and require a degree of flexibility. However, you have greater control over the role than you do with a temp job. You can also earn a bit higher with these than you’d do at a temp job. Of course, these require a degree of hustle to set up.
We hope this article helps you decide whether temporary employment is right for you! If you need help finding the right job, contact HiCounselor to see how we can get you a job. Our mentors also prep you for interviews and help shape your resume to attract better offers!
HiCounselor has forged technical advances to transform the hiring landscape for job seekers and recruiters alike. Our career accelerator program provides job seekers with coaching and mentorship from industry leaders employed at FAANG companies while recruiters ally with HiCounselor to empower their hiring strategy and hone in on the best candidates. Learn more about HiCounselor here and reach out to us on LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
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