Contract vs. full time employment?

A dilemma for a lot of job seekers. So which is recommended?

Well this really depends on what you want and geographically market you are in. In areas like London contracting can be a way of life, but employers in other countries will see this as “job hopping” and it can be difficult to get permanent work if you’ve been contracting long term. It is good to have an understanding of the attitudes of employers in your market.

The advantages or contract work are that you can get a higher salary either per hour or by day. However there are no employee benefits. You also have no rights as an employee unless you have been in the same group for several years and those rights are dependent on the laws in the country you are contracting in. So if there are redundancies on the cards the contractors are the cheaper options to “let go”.

One of the advantages of contracting is that you can build a lot of diverse experience within many organisations in a quick time frame. This can be exciting and fun and you can really get a good feel for what you prefer to do, or not do as the case may be.

The advantage of a permanent role is that you have “some” security and right regarding your job. Further companies generally take training and up skilling permanent employees more seriously. Though training will be skewed towards the job you are currently in and getting training in new areas can be very difficult.

Also, the job market you are in can very much effect your decision as to the job you take. If the market is really tight and there are very few jobs then it may not be a matter of choice, of course if circumstances allow it you could also try out a new job market or location. Relocating for a job is an increasingly common occurrence.

When deciding on which is best for you, take into account your personal circumstances and financial position. Also make sure you are very aware of what your long term goals are. Are you looking to build a career within one organisation or are you more interested in gaining diverse experience? Knowing yourself and your needs and limitations financial or career wise is the first step.

Goals

Last night CPG had the opportunity to speak at an SME networking event via Prem Group in Dublin, Ireland. Many thanks to Prem Group for the invitation and their support. It was a very successful evening and the comments and feedback on the talk were very positive. Helen Roberts CEO of CPG spoke about the importance of goals and how to ensure you are on the right track both personally and professionally.
Goals are something that we have all been told to have since we were in school. However it is very important that you work on those goals every day to ensure you are moving forward. Very few people write their goals down, and many of those that do find that piece of paper buried deep in a draw many months or years later.

So in a quick recap:

• Know what you want.
• Write your goals down in a clear and precise manner
• Keep those written goals with you at all times
• Know what little steps you have to take to achieve those goals
• Set a deadline. If you miss the deadline, don’t give up, set a new deadline
• Know what skills you are missing that may get in your way and eradicate that weakness
• Work on your goals every day
• Have a group around you that will support you in achieving your goals
• Be persistent and disciplined and keep going until you have achieved your objective.

Enjoy life and live to move forward every day!

Moving Country or City for a new job

Things on the job market have certainly changed over the last few years. We have seen an increasing number of people who are prepared to pack up and leave for another country for a job. It can obviously be difficult to leave a life and loved ones behind, but many have told us that it has been worth the change.

A new job is exciting and moving can be very exciting too. Lots of new places and cultures to explore. Lots of new dynamics and lots of fun getting into a new way of life. A lot of the people we spoke to are thriving and recommending to their friends that a move abroad is the way to go.

Of course getting a position in a new environment can be difficult without help. That’s were an international recruitment agency can be of help. They will know the lay of the land and already have the contacts in place to get you started and to introduce you to companies that are looking for your skillset.

So where are people going?

The top of the list for the people we polled answered

Asia, particularly Singapore and Hong Kong, London, New York and the Cayman Islands.

Their reasons for moving?

Better opportunities
Better salaries
To gain international exposure
Warmer weather

So if you are thinking of changing role, why not consider changing country as well. It could well be an experience of a lifetime!