The Benefits of Contract Employment

Many professionals aren't aware of the rewards that accompany being a contract employee. For years, myths have surrounding contract employment. However, we want to share with you some of the most overlooked or neglected facts about a career in contract services, as conducted by the National Association of Temporary Services (NATS):

• Never pay a fee for placement.
• More money than a permanent employee for the same work.
• Opportunity to travel to different job locations.
• Professional challenge of working on major projects across the world.

No Fees

The contractor never charges a fee for registration, testing, or placement. Additional training may require a contract employee to pay a low cost, in some instances. We assume all the costs of locating assignments for our contractors.

Increased Wages

For comparable assignments, a contract employee generally receives 30 - 100% higher gross pay than a permanent (or direct) employee does. Frequently there is overtime available for the contract employee, which can substantially increase take home pay. Contract employees are paid higher wages because their jobs are temporary, and therefore less secure than those of permanent employees. In addition, a contract employee must pay for their own overhead costs such as medical insurance, retirement savings plans and travel costs (in most instances). Contract employees are usually released from their assignments upon completion of a project. In an ideal situation, their contract services company will be able to locate another suitable assignment immediately. However, contract employees must be prepared for the possibility that they will be out of work for a period of time. Thus, a contract employee should always budget their paychecks when they are working to cover those times when they are not working.

Travel

A contract employee may frequently accept jobs that allow them to discover different areas of the world. Contract employees are often willing to move, particularly for long term or highly paid assignments. A contractor may also wish to work in the northern part of the country during the summer months and might only accept an assignment in a warm area during the winter. Occasionally a contractor is willing to travel when a particularly interesting job is available, or if they want to work for a specific client. It is important to remember that a contract employee is usually responsible for the costs of their travel.

Diversification

A contractor can build an impressive resume by accepting assignments on the leading edge of technology. A contract employee usually possesses a broader range of skills than a direct employee does due to the fact that a contract employee works in many companies that use different equipment, software, and techniques. Contract employees' resumes may be very long and detailed to show their broad technical background.

Freedom

Contract employees can concern themselves primarily with the task at hand, rather than get caught up in office politics or a difficult boss. The contract employee knows that their situation is temporary, however, a contractor knows that they cannot be perceived as a job hopper either. A contract employee may occasionally choose not to work at all, especially if they have recently completed a long, lucrative assignment.

Pride of Accomplishment

The pleasure derived from a job well done provides real satisfaction to the technical artisan. Many important projects in many fields were completed on time and were done right the first time by contract professionals. The engineering of space shuttles, environmental cleanups, redesigned automobiles, and huge telecommunications projects are typical contractual assignments that are completed by contract professionals. Our contract employees are always proud to tell you about their accomplishments.