When you hear ‘temp job,’ the first things you’ll probably think of is ‘bookkeeper’ or ‘assistant.’ While it’s true that in the past, temp jobs were only limited to certain positions and industries, that notion is no longer accurate today.
When you apply for temporary work placement agencies today, you will find that there are hundreds of positions available across many different industries. But before you apply for a temp job, here are the pros and cons that you need to know:
The PROS of temporary work
1. Temp jobs can be a career booster
Temporary jobs can offer you the experience and training you need to boost your career, whether you are a fresh graduate or planning to change career paths. This is especially true for people who can’t find a permanent job with little to no experience in their particular field.
2. You can make connections
Since you are essentially jumping from job to job, you can easily make connections with the people in your field. You can use these contacts to expand your network in the future or find permanent employment when you no longer want to temp.
3. You have lots of flexibility
If you work a short-term gig, you can take some time off afterwards to travel, rest, or work on your business and personal projects. Moreover, if you are healing from a personal tragedy, temporary jobs can give you the work-life balance you need.
4. Temp jobs can lead to permanent positions
It’s not uncommon for temporary workers to gain permanent employment with the company they’re working in. In fact, many companies expect to hire temps for permanent positions if they perform well. Hence, while looking for a short-term job, think about whether or not you will want to work with the company permanently after your temp job.
The CONS of temporary work
1. There is a lack of stability
While working temp jobs can give you flexibility for other things in your life, it can also mean that you are unstable when it comes to your finances. If you are financially responsible to stay afloat while working temp jobs, it might work for you. But if you have a lot of liabilities and financial responsibilities, being a temp worker may be a risky position for you.
2. Excessive temp jobs can look bad on your resume
Having too many temp jobs on your resume can make you look flakey to your future employers. Although it might be reasonable to work temporarily after you leave a permanent job, it won’t look good for you if you hop from job to job more than five times in 10 years.
3. It can get lonely
Even though you get to meet a lot of new people if you’re a temp worker, you won’t get to stay with them for too long. At times, co-workers may even hesitate to be friends with you because they know you will be leaving eventually.
Being a temp worker has an equal amount of advantages and disadvantages. It depends on your goals and preferences whether you want to be a temp or just apply for a permanent job. That said, be sure to consider these pros and cons before you apply for temporary work.
