When you’re exploring job opportunities, you may start wondering whether a temporary or permanent position is the best fit. After all, each arrangement has its fair share of advantages, but there are also potential drawbacks you’ll need to consider.
Fortunately, by considering the correct points, it’s easier to determine how to proceed. If you want to figure out which option is best for you, here are some key questions to help you decide.
Do You Want to Settle in or Explore?
In many cases, permanent positions are highly defined and align with a particular career path. Often, they make sense for professionals who want to head in a specific direction and settle into a niche, allowing them to acquire specific types of experience and skills that match their chosen field.
Temporary jobs are often opportunities for exploration. You can check out different industries, roles, and employers, giving you a chance to acquire varying skills and broader experience. They’re a chance to continue learning, often in unexpected ways. Plus, they can help those who aren’t confident in their career path to find a suitable direction, as it’s possible to try out a variety of jobs without the struggles associated with shifting between permanent positions.
Do You Value Flexibility or Security?
When you’re in a temporary position, you get ample flexibility. You aren’t required to make a long-term commitment to an employer. Instead, you can complete an assignment and then quickly transition to something new. Plus, if you want to take a break between positions, that’s an option, making it even easier to maintain balance.
However, a permanent job does offer more security. Temporary positions typically come with end dates, while a permanent role can continue indefinitely. If you need that sort of predictability in employment, then a permanent job could be the better choice.
Is Finding a Job Quickly a Priority?
In some cases, your timeline can dictate whether focusing on permanent positions or temporary jobs is the better choice. When hiring a permanent employee, hiring processes are often lengthier and slower, as companies may go the extra mile to ensure a perfect fit. With temporary jobs, employers often need to fill a spot quickly. As a result, they’re more flexible on job requirements and make hiring decisions at a quicker pace.
At times, you’ll also face less competition if you’re open to temporary positions. Primarily, that’s because many members of the workforce automatically disregard these opportunities. That works to your advantage, as it may allow you to secure an exciting role without the challenges that can come with a large number of applicants.
Ultimately, both temporary and permanent jobs can be an excellent fit for some candidates, but asking the questions above can help you determine which is right for you. If you’d like to learn more about available job opportunities that could meet your needs, TempStaff wants to hear from you. Contact us to learn more about our open positions today.
