5 Reasons to Become a Contractor

In the ever-changing professional world, traditional career paths are giving way to more dynamic opportunities. For many full-time workers, becoming a contractor might be uncharted territory. However, this shift comes with a plethora of advantages that can significantly enhance your career.Let's explore why considering a role as a contractor might be the key to unlocking your full career potential.

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1. Faster Career Advancement

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As a contractor, you find yourself moving companies every 1 to 2 years, depending on the projects’ lengths, which enables you to engage in a broader range of projects compared to your full-time counterparts. The experience gained and skills developed in this process are invaluable and can propel your career forward at a pace that might be unattainable in a conventional full-time role.

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2. Accelerated Skill Development

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Regularly moving between companies presents a great opportunity for continuous skills development. Indeed, the ability to work on varied projects deepens your existing knowledge and broadens your skillset.  You also become a more flexible and adaptable professional, which is very attractive to companies.

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3. Improved Work-Life Balance

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Contrary to popular belief, contract work is not more demanding than salaried work. With a set 40-hour week, contract work offers a structured work-life balance and schedule predictability that is sometimes missing in salaried positions. This balance contributes to better job satisfaction and overall well-being.

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4. Better Compensation

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Compensation is a crucial aspect of any career changes. Contractors, whether categorized as a corporation or a W2 contractor, enjoy a higher hourly pay compared to full-time employees.

Superior staffing companies, such as Whitridge Associates, offer benefits like 401k, health insurance (including vision and dental), etc. to their W2 contractors. They also calculate pay rates to allow contractors to take unpaid vacation days without it affecting their expected annual income significantly, making the compensation package even more compelling.

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5. Increased Networking Opportunities

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The dynamic nature of contracting exposes you to a vast network of professionals in your field. Indeed, your professional network expands organically as you move between companies and present opportunities that would not be readily available within the confines of a single organization. These connections are invaluable for future projects, career changes, referrals, and more.

Whether you're seeking accelerated career advancement, skill diversification, improved work-life balance, enhanced compensation, or a robust professional network, becoming a contractor opens doors to a myriad of opportunities. Embrace the possibilities that contract work offers and unlock a future where your career knows no bounds.