Are you in a career transition now, wondering how to make a change and still have money for things like rent and food? A contract job might be an option for you. Contract jobs are generally short-term and project-focused. For example, a company might need some extra help as they transition to a new software platform, or to test bugs in a new system. Contract work can be a great option if you’re looking to gain some experience in a particular area, or if you’re wondering if a career path might be a good fit for you.
That said, there’s some controversy around contract work, largely because of questions about worker rights and benefits. Most contracts don’t offer full insurance or vacation (although there may be smaller packages available to purchase at a discount), and some also don’t offer paid sick leave. Additionally, since most companies don’t consider contractors to be employees, the burden of taxes is likely to be on you, not them, so plan accordingly. I recommend a dedicated bank account called “taxes” that you transfer the appropriate amount to as soon as you get paid.
Another concern about the field is that there may be fewer opportunities to build relationships with colleagues. In some cases, contract workers are kept separate from the regular staff entirely, while in others, they simply don’t have the time to dedicate to things like going out for coffee with colleagues.
There are, of course, other concerns, but if you’re interested in trying a field on, doing a project, or filling what feels like a gap on your resume, consider contract work. Check out this helpful list of sites and see what feels like it might be a fit for you.
