Busting The Myths Of Contracting

The biggest growth in your career comes when you challenge yourself.

Our world is changing at an exceptional rate. And so are our careers. Gone are the days where staying with one employer throughout your life is expected and even revered.  

It’s very common to choose a career as a professional contractor instead of opting for permanent employment. A lot of our contractors have chosen this path for the flexibility, change of pace, excitement and different industry experiences contracting can offer.

Have you been thinking about trying your hand at contracting but something is holding you back? Maybe you think it won’t be good for your career to make this massive change.

There are a lot of myths out there around contracting and I’m here to bust some of those:

MYTH 1: MY CV WILL LOOK FLIGHTY

Careers are changing. And fast. With that change also comes a change in how people view careers and employees. On average people aren’t working for a big company for 25+ years anymore. Some professionals only stay with their company for an average of 2 – 5 years.

As long as they have valid reasons for each move and can demonstrate an element of loyalty, this is accepted. This is particularly true when hiring a professional contractor. Employers understand that it’s part of the current market and comes with having that type of job.

Another plus from moving around in your career is getting different industry experience. That plus a diverse skill set might just get you your next job.

MYTH 2: NO JOB SECURITY BETWEEN CONTRACTS 

With technology moving so quickly, employers are increasingly looking to contractors to provide immediate cover for projects.

If you are good at what you do, willing to be a strong networker and ready to get in there and get the job done, you should be able to pick up consistent work.

MYTH 3: TEMPORARY AND CONTRACT WORK IS SHORT-TERM 

More often than not, if a contractor is doing an excellent job we will see their contracts being extended (and some even receive permanent offers). Not in every case of course, but often.

Projects can be anywhere up to a year but we have seen some contractors get pulled into other areas of the business and stay in an assignment for several years! (Longer than some of the permanent staff).

If you think about it, the risk is no bigger than taking another permanent job, where the trial period is 3 months during which an employer can terminate you at any time. 

MYTH 4: YOU CAN’T DEVELOP NEW SKILLS OR GET TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Being exposed to all sorts of different companies, work environments and people will help you acquire skills you might not even be aware of. And at a quicker pace than your mate in their permanent role.

You can also have downtime between contracts to attend courses. Or if you prefer (and don’t have any time between contracts) you can tap into today’s technological advantages and do online courses.

Most skills will be transferable which means you can become a decent all-rounder by knowing different systems, ways of working and practices in different environments. This will only strengthen your personal development.

MYTH 5: BECOMING A CONTRACTOR IS TOO COMPLICATED

It doesn’t have to be! Partnering with agencies can massively help you in the setup process and you can get some handy resources for becoming a professional contractor.

Make the big move to a more diverse, exciting and challenging career choice! If you’re thinking of becoming a professional contractor and you’re looking for a guiding hand, get in touch with us today.