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Ever wondered what contracting is really like? If you’ve spent most of your career in a permanent role, it may seem foreign or even unnecessary to switch to contracting. After all, permanent roles offer stability, benefits, and career development. But contracting has its own unique appeal, bringing variety, flexibility, and specialised opportunities. Here’s a closer look at what it’s like to work as a contractor.
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Why choose contracting?
Contracting offers a range of unique advantages that appeal to professionals looking for more control over their careers. Whether it's the variety of work, the flexibility of short-term commitments, or the potential for specialised growth, contracting can be an advantageous alternative to traditional permanent roles. Here’s why more people are making the switch:
Variety and flexibility
One of the biggest draws of contracting is variety. Each contract brings new responsibilities, companies, departments, and sometimes even locations. This variety keeps things fresh and lets contractors try different roles, settings, and challenges, all while enjoying a flexible work-life balance.
Ingrained in company culture
Gone are the days when contractors were on the fringes of company culture. Today, they’re often integrated into teams and experience company culture just like permanent employees do—but on a set timeline. For some, this arrangement is ideal, allowing them to be part of an organisation without the long-term commitment.
Renewals and extensions
Many contractors find themselves in multiple contracts with the same company, allowing them to deepen their skills and relationships without sacrificing variety. The flexibility of contracting means you can renew a contract, move to a different role within the same company, or explore something new altogether.
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Why are more people turning to contracting?
In recent years, the perception of contracting has evolved, with more professionals embracing it as a viable and attractive career choice. Shifts in job security and work-life balance priorities have opened people’s eyes to the advantages of contract work. Here are some key reasons behind this growing trend:
Changing perceptions of job security
Before the pandemic, permanent roles were often seen as the pinnacle of job security. However, COVID-19 highlighted that even permanent employees can face sudden changes. This shift has made job seekers more comfortable with contracting, especially as more companies embrace flexible hiring. For many, contracting now offers a viable and secure career path.
Demand for work-life balance
The push for work-life balance is stronger than ever, with people increasingly prioritizing their lives outside of work. Contracting, with its structured yet flexible setup, allows professionals to create a career that complements their personal goals and lifestyle. As “hustle culture” fades, contracting offers a balanced approach to work that suits many people.
Benefits of contracting
Contracting brings a range of unique advantages that can enhance both your professional and personal life. From opportunities to specialise and develop your skills to increased flexibility and earning potential, contracting offers benefits that go beyond a traditional full-time role. Here’s a look at what makes contracting so rewarding:
Specialise your skillset
Contracting allows you to focus on the skills you enjoy and that bring maximum value. Contractors often bring specialised expertise to projects, which is particularly valuable for businesses needing niche skills on a project basis.
Career development
With each contract, you have the opportunity to work with new companies, industries, and professionals. This exposure expands your professional network, sharpens your skills, and provides unique insights.
Flexibility
Contracting often provides more flexibility than traditional roles, making it easier to manage your work-life balance. For instance, during busy times like tax season, consulting firms frequently rely on contractors to handle increased workloads. This flexibility is beneficial both for you and the companies needing help.
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Increased motivation and focus
The shorter time frames typical in contracting keep goals manageable and projects well-defined, which boosts motivation and prevents burnout. This format encourages focused, high-energy work, letting you see clear accomplishments.
Competitive pay
Contractors, especially those with technical or specialised skills, often command higher pay than their full-time counterparts. Skills in demand increase your value, and companies are willing to pay more for the expertise they need quickly.
A steppingstone to permanent roles
If you’re interested in a specific company or department, contracting can serve as an ideal foot in the door. Since contracting requires less commitment from the company, it’s often easier to get hired this way. Once you’re in, you have the chance to prove yourself and potentially move into a permanent position.
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Businesses are embracing contracting
The post-COVID world has made contracting a go-to recruitment strategy for many businesses. Contracting allows companies to adjust team sizes quickly and respond to seasonal or project-specific demands. With contracting, businesses can bring on specialised skills as needed without lengthy hiring processes, benefiting both companies and contractors.
Considering contracting?
Contracting offers an exciting blend of variety, flexibility, and specialised opportunities that can shape a fulfilling career. It allows you to gain diverse experiences, build a strong professional network, and balance work with personal goals, all while enjoying competitive pay and a flexible schedule. As more businesses adopt contract roles to meet evolving demands, contractors have more options than ever to craft a career that aligns with their aspirations.
If you are looking at either evaluating or changing your current employment situation, you can reach out to the team here or via the form below for a confidential conversation.