While the routine of full-time employment is a comforting place for most people, there is something fascinating and oddly tempting about the perceived freedom and flexibility of being self-employed. If you’re considering a switch across into the world of contracting, you’re not alone.
Contracting isn’t for everyone. People considering the move to become a contractor often waver in their decision-making between wanting to climb the corporate ladder, the commitments of family, and work-life flexibility.
The benefits of contracting
Six Degrees places a lot of happy contractors every day, so for those of you considering contracting as a job, here are some benefits of contracting as a career choice.
Thriving on new challenges
Contracting offers the opportunity to grow your experiences, skills and professional networks by exposure to new projects within one, or across varied companies, industries and brands. Anyone determined not to be pigeonholed in their career will thrive on the continued change and challenge that comes with contracting.
Financial freedom
In general, contractors earn more than salaried employees. Businesses are used to paying for effective, short-term project delivery and outcomes; resulting in contract work paid on an average higher hourly rate than a salaried employee. Contractors don’t get paid for holidays, downtime or being sick, something worth considering if you like “me time”.
Flexibility
Motivated and adaptable self-starters will be drawn to the idea of setting their own days, hours and location of work. Flexible working arrangements are an often-envied perk of contractors’ roles.
Long-term opportunities
Contractors who demonstrate integrity and a dedicated approach to their contract work, no matter how long the term, may be offered projects on a long-term, continuous basis with companies they contract to, providing a regular and stable source of income.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
A less thought of benefit to contracting is knowing that your only focus while on the clock, is getting your work done in the most efficient, cost-effective and timely manner. Contracting means avoiding the regular office politics and bureaucracy that permanent employees often get caught up in and that can be the underlying reason people become disenchanted with their job in the first place.
Look before you leap
While there are great personal benefits to working as a contractor, it’s important to stop and make sure your reasons for leaving full-time employment are sincere. Independent contractors need to be motivated, genuinely interested and available when applying for roles, so wanting to try something new “just because”, will likely result in disappointment.
Clients who hire talent on a contract basis absolutely expect them to have the appropriate skills and knowledge relevant to the industry and/or project they are assigned to. Clients are looking for self-starters who can jump in and deliver on time and on budget, so it’s important that you are realistic about the reasons and type of work you are looking to bank a career change on.
Contact Scott and the contracting team for the latest job opportunities.
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