Pros & cons of temp jobs vs permanent jobs
When you apply for jobs, you might have the opportunity to choose between a temporary and a permanent role. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider them carefully. Naturally, you need to understand what your employee status really entails so you can make the right choice for your career and your finances. In this article, we discuss permanent and temporary employees' benefits and explain the differences between the two.
What is a temporary employee?
A temporary employee has a job that lasts for a short, defined period of time. The time frame can be as brief as a few days or as long as a few weeks. In some cases, a temporary employee may even work as long as a couple of months, or the length of a season.
Benefits of temporary employees
If you decide to apply for a short-term role, you could leverage a wide range of temporary workers' benefits. Some of the biggest benefits of temporary employment involve:
· Maintaining a steady income stream: In some cases, you might choose to apply for a temporary role during a longer period of unemployment. A short-term job can ensure that you continue to earn money during your search for a permanent position.
· Avoiding unnecessary resume gaps: If permanent roles are limited in your field, then a long period of unemployment could lead to resume gaps may turn away future employers. By taking a temporary job, you can secure consistent employment and demonstrate your hardworking and committed nature.
· Changing career fields: If you want to transition to a different field, you may need relevant experience before applying for a permanent job. By working multiple temporary jobs, you may be able to gain sufficient experience or even make professional connections in the industry.
· Transitioning to full-time roles: Some temporary jobs are designed as a short-term test for both the employee and the employer. Once the temporary period ends, both parties may agree to make the role permanent.
· Accessing health care coverage: Do temps get benefits? It depends. Although many short-term or seasonal jobs don't provide medical insurance or paid time off, some do. If you rely on an employer to provide health care coverage, make sure the temporary employment benefits you receive are sufficient.
The disadvantages of temporary work
· –A salary isn’t guaranteed. Once your contract is up or you haven’t been given a set amount of hours every week, you may find yourself out of pocket.
· –Temps don’t have many rights in regards to sick leave and holiday pay.
What is a permanent employee?
A permanent employee has a long-term job without a predetermined ending date. In this role, you can work for the same organization for months, years or your entire career. As a permanent employee, you can work on either a full- or part-time basis.
Benefits of permanent employees
In most cases, the perks that permanent employees receive are much more substantial than the benefits of temporary workers. Permanent employees typically have these advantages:
· Health care benefits: In many states, employers are required to provide health care coverage to full- or part-time employees. As a permanent employee, you can often extend coverage to your spouse or children, effectively protecting your family.
· Retirement contributions: Some employers offer retirement benefits to permanent employees to help them save money for the future. Some even match employees' retirement contributions to amplify their savings.
· Paid time off (PTO): Most permanent part- and full-time positions include a certain number of days off each year. With PTO, you can take a break or recover from an illness without worrying about missing a paycheck or getting fired from your job.
· Long-term career planning: If you want to set and achieve career goals, becoming a permanent employee can help. In this type of role, you can gain experience, build connections and work consistently toward your career goals.
The disadvantages of permanent work
· –Your work-life balance might be compromised, especially if you’re overworked and are required to work unsociable hours. This can impact commitments with your friends and family.
· You can feel like you’re stuck in a routine, making the same commute and working the same hours. It can start feeling like you’re living for the weekend.
· Permanent work also comes with notice periods, tying you to your contract before you can leave. If you don’t read the small print before, you might be in for a shock with some employers enforcing a 3-6 month notice period.