Considering fixed contract work

[benson7]

Over the next year or so I'll probably be looking to take on more senior roles with more money/responsibility. If initially unsuccessful in applying for full employment roles due to lack of experience at a more specialised level my plan is to accept a 12 month contract (perhaps covering maternity) in order to gain this experience.

Has anyone here make this type of transition before? I'm planning on fixed contract roles being easier to obtain but is anyone able to comment on whether this is true or not? I suppose the drawback is that you have a period of unknown employment on the horizon and you may lose certain other employment benefits, but I'm happy to accept these if the experience gained is worth it.

 

[captaincaveman]

Hey Benson,

I used to do fixed term contracts only as I used to blow a fuse after too long at one mag. Yes, depending on what country you're from, you have less coverage by employment law (Uk used to be 1 year until that kicked, now 2 years if you started work after April 2012). They are easier to get depending on your industry but I'd say easier across the board. In my industry, you don't want to go crazy on fixed term contracts as no one will hire you full time if you over indulge. But for experience, go for it. Good fun and you can always get your contract extended (happened to me a few times 'can you do another 3 months?) So I say go for it.

 

[benson7]

Hey Benson,

I used to do fixed term contracts only as I used to blow a fuse after too long at one mag. Yes, depending on what country you're from, you have less coverage by employment law (Uk used to be 1 year until that kicked, now 2 years if you started work after April 2012). They are easier to get depending on your industry but I'd say easier across the board. In my industry, you don't want to go crazy on fixed term contracts as no one will hire you full time if you over indulge. But for experience, go for it. Good fun and you can always get your contract extended (happened to me a few times 'can you do another 3 months?) So I say go for it.

Thanks for the response, did you find it benefited your career in the long run?

 

[captaincaveman]

Hey Benson,

In my industry, people work for free (internships to benefit their CV), short term contracts will enhance your career. You're getting paid and let's be honest in this economy, companies prefer fixed term over permanent positions. But with a fixed term contract don't make the mistake that I did, in thinking that 'Right I'm here for six months and that's it'. Maybe think about it as probabation. I have a great job now and they strung me along with fixed term contracts for a while. In the end I said I've got other offers so either give me what I want, or I'm gone. But Benson, depends on what industry your in completely. PM me and give me more details. I trained as a lawyer and was senior adviser for the Citizens Advice Bureau so need details to make sure your employer is not trying to escape employment rights.

But look, we're in economic turmoil, I spoke to a senior economist at the IMF who thinks (privately) we're on the edge of the abyss. So for purely economic reasons, I'd say go for the contract, doesn't look bad on CV. But aim to impress! If you impress, your contract will be extended. Then you are in the upper hand. If they do it again (offer an other extension play hardball)

Sorry, in short it did benefit my career. But only because I got an extension. Again don't know what you do and journalism is a bit odd with fixed terms so hit me up if you want and I'll try to give you some detailed advice (sorry but as a lawyer I have to say free from any liability!)