subject: Contract Employee - Is It More Advantageous For Me? [print this page] Most people resort to being a contract employee after loosing their permanent jobs. Some consider the changes subtle but others would probably disagree. Because many companies prefer to hire an employee for a certain talent, they also choose to have a contract employee for a clear and mutual understanding that they can do a certain job for as long as the job is still available or the individual still wishes to continue his/her job. This way, the employers can still hire individuals that suites their need for a more demanding business. The contract employee will also be able to find another job in the same time and develop other skills. The contract employee will also be responsible for his/her career establishment.
What else do I need to know about being a contract employee?
Changing your mindset might also prove to be necessary. Instead of being too stiff, you might need to have a more fluid and flexible daily routine. This is not necessary just for a contract employee, you can also do this if you want to advance in your job.
Being in a full-time job rather than being a contract employee might also more appealing for you due to the benefits that come with a full-time job like retirement benefits, health insurance, and some even offer a stock option. This can indeed be very attractive but being a contracted employee will also give you the benefit of acquiring new learned skills. This can keep you updated and you can also create a network and make you more visible. As a result, you can be of more value to the current company you are working for or the next company you will be working for.
When you are a contract employee, you must understand that you are making a risk. A full-time employee will have a stable job and a stable income that you will not have but you will also develop different skills and the full-time employee will not have this. Therefore, to be more successful in your endeavor as a contract employee, you must know how to market yourself in different companies that might need your skills. You must always look for new jobs that are available for you. Approach each job as a new business that will help you find your next salary.
Doing a job/project without a salary might also be necessary. For example, when you are asked to make a job proposal for a company for free you might not see it as an opportunity, but actually it is! It gives you the chance to expand your network therefore giving you more chances for finding your next employer.
Since you are exposed to different jobs when you are a contract employee, always try to learn new skills. Educate yourself and develop your skills that you have already acquired from your former employers. Always know the in demand job and learn it. This is your main goal so that you can always find a new employer.
