The Benefits of Contract Employment
Why Contract Employment?
Many professionals aren't aware of the rewards that accompany being a contract
employee. For years, myths have surrounding contract employment. However,
Thingamajob wants 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
Allegis Group 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 Allegis Group contract professionals. Our contract employees
are always proud to tell you about their accomplishments.