Are you looking for a lifestyle change or are you wanting to explore a different career path? Contract jobs may be just the thing for you.
Why do companies hire contractors?
Maternity Cover – Maternity cover is not given to contracted employees.
Staff Emergency – The company may be unexpectedly short-staffed due to a staff member being off on extended sick leave or leaving unexpectedly.
Year-End Overload – They may be in need of some extra manpower for the end-of-year rush.
Backlog of Work – They could have an accumulation of work that they haven’t had the time to tackle.
Probation Period – There could be a job opening in the company but they want to ensure they have the right person before making a long-term commitment.
Large Projects – The company may have a particularly large project, but do not want to take on permanent staff.
The advantages of contract jobs
The advantages of contract jobs generally outweigh the disadvantages depending on what your aim is.
If you would like to try a new industry without the commitment of a permanent position contract work can be a great bridge until you find exactly what you’re looking for. A six-month contract looks better on your CV than leaving a permanent position after six months because you do not enjoy the industry.
Similarly, if you are being retrenched and are reluctant to accept just any permanent position, a contract position will keep your confidence up and give you time to decide on the right permanent position.
Contractors often progress through their career at an accelerated rate. This is largely because of their exposure to a wide range of work environments and responsibilities.
If a permanent position opens up at a company you are doing contract work for, there’s a good chance you will be their first pick. You will have gotten to know the people and the culture beforehand in order to make an informed decision.
Contracts offer variety and new challenges plus you get to meet a lot of like-minded people.
If you are planning to travel or take extended leave in the near future, a contract is perfect for you. No resignation needed to go explore.
The disadvantages
You will be taking yourself off the market for the duration of the contract but you will be adding value to your CV. This could assist in securing the perfect permanent role in future.
You do not get paid benefits while on contract. You do however still get paid leave and public holidays per the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
So, is contracting for you? To find out more on our contract opportunities contact pat@ca.co.za.
You can also go filter our listed jobs by ‘Temporary’ to view our latest contract jobs.