Why Contract Opportunities are Worth Considering

Not long ago, if you were a “temp,” people assumed that you couldn’t find a “real” job. That is definitely no longer the case. The current generation of workers craves the flexibility and freedom that comes with contract work. Employers are no longer able to afford the large head counts and are looking for staffing flexibility during busy seasons.

As a result, the contingent work style has increased in popularity. Contract workers accounted for just over 0.5% of all employment in 1983. Today, the average mix of contingent workers in the Fortune 100 is about 20-30% of the workforce, and it is expected to make up the majority by 2030.

Contracting Benefits

Independence is just part of what makes contracting attractive to many professionals. Here are a few additional benefits:

• Access new challenges to improve your skills and keep work interesting
• Accept or reject projects based on your interests or workload
• Control your schedule with assignments that range from a few days to long-term
• Provide an organization with instant expertise and a fresh perspective
• Learn how to stay relevant, nimble, and employable to avoid lay-off concerns
• Take extended vacations by simply not accepting assignments for a period of time
• Open the door to companies that may not be hiring full-time employees
• Check out a job and an employer before making a long-term commitment

Contracting Options

There is more than one way to go about contracting. Some choose to become an independent contractor—and, thus, are self-employed. This type of worker is often also referred to as a 1099; instead of receiving an IRS Form W-2 for income reporting (as employees do), contractors receive IRS Form 1099-MISC.

Others choose to enjoy the perks of contract work with added security and support by partnering with a staffing agency. With this, you become a W-2 employee of the staffing agency, and you receive many of the benefits of employment, including health insurance, unemployment insurance, 401k, etc., along with the flexibility of working short- to long-term contract assignments.

While independent contractors often receive a higher hourly rate compared to an employee, there are other expenses and responsibilities to consider.

Like any business, contractors are responsible for maintaining their own tax ID, record keeping, and their own costs, such as insurance, office and travel expenses, internet, etc.

Unlike an employee, contractors are also taxed more heavily and have greater risk and liability. These are important considerations when deciding which type of contract work is best for you.

If you are looking for a flexible, exciting career, try contracting the easy way—with us as your guide! We’re here for you, whether you’re looking for contract work, a contract-to-hire position, or a permanent job. As your partner, we’ll provide consistent work, access to our large network, and a number of opportunities that you would not otherwise find. It’s all about options!