Why contract?
The world of contracting has many advantages and disadvantages, whether it’s the best option for you very much depends on your own personal circumstances.
Be freelance means you are your own boss and
have the freedom to choose when and where you work, plus the
potential to earn much more than an employee. But while this
flexibility is appealing there are important considerations to be
made before you leave behind the security of having a permanent
job.
Advantages of contracting·
- Freelancers meet a wide range of
people, bringing good networking opportunities.·
- You may earn more contracting than
being a permanent employee.
- Although you don't get paid for
holidays your increased rate of pay should be enough to compensate
and allow you to holiday between contracts, if you want
to.
- You have set contracted hours so there
is no need to work extra unpaid hours to impress the
boss.
Disadvantages of
contracting·
- Your skills need to be continuously
updated to keep you competitive against your peers. Retraining as
well as developing new skills will result in unpaid time off or
using up time at evening or weekends.
- Contracts may be further away from home
than a full time job meaning extra time spent travelling to your
temporary place of work.
- There is much less job security than
being a permanent member of staff.
- Freelancers do not get paid holiday or sick pay and do not
enjoy 'perks' of employment including health care, pensions, share
options, company car etc.
Further reading
How
to compare recruitment agencies
10 mistakes to avoid when searching for a new contract
The 3 qualities of a brilliant freelance
contractor
