Six Ways Contracting Will Accelerate Your Career

Jobs come in all shapes and sizes. Ever found yourself caught up in the contract vs permanent debate? Most people do! So we’ve put together this guide to help you figure out what’s right for you. Let’s ask some personal questions first. Are you risk-averse? Or do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? Do you feel anxious with uncertainty? Or do you like change, meeting new people, and tackling new challenges? There’s no right answer, but contract work accelerates careers. By opting out, you might be hurting yourself by not stepping into the fast lane. 

Traditional career paths are dying. 

Our parents went to school, got jobs, and retired 30 years later. Today the idea of progressing within the same company for your entire career are dead. This safer road is the slow road. And working hard and getting ahead is not the formula to reach success faster. Employers value diversity of experiences and industries so they know you’re adaptable. Bringing accomplishments across industries is a serious game changer. Companies are recognising the value of exposure to different roles, companies, and even countries.

Still not convinced? Here are the top 6 reasons contracting roles are taking off.

1. Contracting gives you more flexibility. 
   

   Smitten by the idea of a four-day work week? Or flexible hours? Contract roles give you more control of your work-life balance. By tailoring hours to suit your schedule and even opting for time off between contracts, you can get back to more living. Say hello to new hobbies, training or leisure.

2. Upskill faster to become an expert. 
   

   Tackling different challenges and building a list of impressive accomplishments is easier as a contractor. And it’s a self-fulfilling cycle. Specialised skills are needed for special projects and these are short-term and often well compensated. And this is the pathway to becoming known as an expert in your field.

3. Find your calling faster. 
   

   Accomplishments build a stellar CV and LinkedIn Profile. Plus breadth of experience gives you more business acumen. The average person will experience having 12 different jobs in a lifetime. Contracting allows you to explore a variety of types of work, diverse teams and business structures, which attracts future opportunities.

4. Build a better network. 
   

   The more you contract, the more people you meet. Growing your professional network is a smart move to attract more opportunities. You never know when someone will reach out to you with a new challenge, so always stay connected.

5. Better job security in face of adversity. 
   

   McKinsey anticipates demand for contract work will rise post pandemic. Companies are choosing contracting staff to scale their teams to match their current workloads. It’s a flexible and adaptable way to approach hiring, especially in the face of uncertainty.

6. Experiment often and learn lots. 
   

   Try, try, fail, learn, and try again. Contract work can get you a foot in the door in all sorts of unusual places. It’s a smart way to test drive a new role, company, or even country. The more you try, the more you’ll learn!

In the wake of the pandemic, remote working has taken off while companies have been plunged into uncertainty. In the past year, we’ve learned a lot about what’s possible. Remote teams create more contracting opportunities than ever. So if you’re feeling adventurous, now is the time to make a move.