At some point in your working life, you may consider seeking temporary employment.

There are several reasons a temp job might be necessary or desirable. Maybe you’re currently unemployed, you need more job flexibility, or you want to expand your skills.

Temporary employment, also called gig work, contract work, seasonal or interim employment, has its pros and cons. Let’s look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of being an outsourced employee.

What Are The Pros and Cons of Working a Temp Job?

1. It’s better than being unemployed.

When you are out of work and can’t find appropriate full-time employment, a temporary job can help fill the gap.

Employers are suspicious of lapses in your work history. “Temporary positions—even if they’re not directly related to our chosen profession—can fill in the gaps and show employers you’re motivated and willing to work,” according to Kelly.

You’ll earn a wage, and you’ll be able to add work experience to your resume. And if you do a great job, you’ll almost certainly gain a new reference and expand your professional network.

2. You can boost your skills.

Whether or not your temp job is in your field, you are likely to increase your skills – which always looks great on a resume.

Sometimes, you may even learn new skills that can help change your career trajectory. If you are unsure where you’re heading in your career, gig work lets you explore various industries.

“If you want to learn new skills, it’s often best to get them through on-the-job training,” says Chron. “Taking a temporary job lets you try new things without the long-term commitment a regular, full-time job requires.”

3. You’ll get your foot in the door.

In a study by TrueBlue and Emsi quoted in BusinessWire, the ability to get their foot in the door at a particular company was one of the top reasons people accepted gig work.

Through a temporary position, you may meet and develop a working relationship with the hiring manager. This gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your skills and value to the organization. You’ll have the hands-on job experience they’re looking for, plus knowledge about how they like things done. You’ll also learn more about the company’s operations and corporate culture. This inside knowledge could give you the edge you need to turn temp work into permanent employment.

4. You’ll gain job flexibility and earn extra income.

Sometimes life throws you a curve. You may need to devote more time to caring for a family member. A temporary job might provide that flexibility. Or maybe you’re behind on your bills. Taking a well-paying short-term temp position could help you earn additional income.

The Downside of Temp Work

Conversely, temp work has some disadvantages.

• You’ll have limited or no benefits.
• The work may be boring or unfulfilling.
• You may be excluded from team meetings.
• You may be unemployed again when your contract term ends.

Temporary employment isn’t for everyone. Under certain circumstances, however, taking a short-term job can be a strategic move in furthering your career.

Ready to Start Working Again?

To learn more about temporary employment opportunities in your area, contact the job placement experts at Pro Resources Staffing Services.