Contract/Temporary jobs

[amash]

Contract or temporary jobs offer very good rates than permanent.
however, what are the pros and cons of getting a temporary/contract job.

Is it possible for a non UK to get a permanent job

[jane]

It is definately possible to get a permanent position, especially if you are on an Ancestry Visa or are British. Generally recruitment agencies will not be keen on assisting you gaining Permanent work, if you are on a Holiday Work visa. This is mainly because employers don't expect you to be around for th long term, so contract employment make perfect sense.

Visa aspects aside, there are Pros and Cons to both types of employment and many people have very different views.

My advice is that if you don't have a preference - Simply look at each individual opportunity on its own merits.

Things to consider;

- Flexibility
- Training
- Benefits
- Hourly Rate V Weekly or monthly wages (You should also consider the ability to do overtime or the potential need for you after hours)
- The people and the team you will be working with
- How will the experience you gain look on a resume?

Structurally, a contract position enables the you or the employer to get out with 1 weeks notice, although this rarely happens and would be considered poor form if an employer wanted you around longer.

Very generally, permanent positions are more likely to offer better career development opportunities. On the other hand many 'contractors' are happy simply moving from contract to contract as it often pays a higher hourly rate but some permanent jobs of many of tangibles (bonuses, pension, car, health care benefits) and intangbles (career development) that can be significant.

Bottom Line - both can be excellent. You need to really look at each opportunity and think about what you want to achieve in your career!
_________________
Jane

Jane Stewart
Team Consultant
WORKgateways.com

[egoode]

I'm currently debating this topic. I've been contracting for the last 5 months and have now been asked to go permanent with the company I'm working at the moment.

You really need to think about what you want to do long term. Because I'm nearly 27 I'm going to take the permanent job so I don't fall behind in my career and they are also offering a lot of training opportunities which will make up for the drop in pay from what I'm earning contracting.

You basically need to decide are you here to travel, have a good time and make as much money as you can. Or do you want to advance your career and make the most of the work opportunities that are available here. However as I also get 28 days holidays as a permanent employee I can still fit in quite a bit of the travelling.

Emma