Top 10 Benefits of Contract Work

Traditionally, we graduate college in our chosen field, find employment in that field to get some experience and often head down a random path as subsequent employers hire us. Then we passively wait to get tapped on the shoulder for the next rung of the career ladder. But, what if we could actively manage our own careers?

In highly technical fields we want to work on cutting-edge projects that change the world we live in; we want to apply our technical skill to projects that make a difference without getting buried in mundane bureaucracy. We want to make a significant contribution, then move on to the next challenge – solve problems, make discoveries, develop solutions, and work in teams where these things are important.

But, how do we focus on our work and continue to find the next great project? Are we not just back on the same job-hunt treadmill? What about negotiating salary and benefits? Career and job security, relocation, having a sounding board, finding the best opportunities, timing and access to the job market?

At John Galt Staffing we focus on contract and contract-to-direct placement in the Software/IT, Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering fields. We use contracting as a way for you to individually control and actively manage your career.

Following are the top 10 benefits of contract work in these technical careers:

Top 10 Benefits of Contract Work:

1. Work on the cutting-edge: Engineers are hard-wired to be good at innovating. And when they do, they want to be exposed to a variety of challenges, tools and methods to stay engaged. This only happens in industries, companies and projects that require the best and brightest to contribute.
   
2. Remain in demand: Paradoxically, by contracting to keep your skills on the cutting edge you will ensure your own job security.
   
3. Bigger Bottom Line: You earn higher pay for contract work. It’s a simple case of supply and demand, and you keep cashing in on it each time you take a new contract. Better yet, your recruiting firm can do the awkward rate negotiation for you.
   
4. Flexible Lifestyle: A contract job can give you the opportunity to flexibly seek work when you want and where you desire.
   
5. Trial Run: Contract work gives you the opportunity to work in many industries. You are able to work in different types of jobs until you find the one that fits your career passion.
   
6. Cultural Fit: You can test and experience a company’s culture, environment and alignment with your values to see if they will be the right long-term fit – without a long-term commitment.
   
7. You too can W-2: Contract positions at John Galt Staffing are typically W-2 employment, meaning you do not have the hassles of self-employment like self-employment tax and quarterly estimated payments – which you’ll appreciate at tax time! By having an employer, FICA, unemployment & workers comp are all handled through payroll. There may be additional benefits available as well.
   
8. Experience the Experience: The interview process is generally much faster than a permanent position. You are able to gain different skills in a shorter period of time and enhance your resume with new skills to aid in new career prospects.
   
9. Temp to Perm: Taking a contract job gets your foot in the door with a company, and lets your skills and contributions speak for themselves. So whether by design or circumstance, contract positions can often lead to a permanent placement.
   
10. Build your own brand: Working several contract positions will help you build a larger professional network, exposing you to more peers and managers who know your reputation and skills.