Has anyone left their full time toxic job for a contract role ?

Anonymous

October 4,2023 at 1:05AM UTC

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Has anyone left their full time toxic job for a contract role ?

I work with a very condescending, micromanaging manager and honestly it makes me sick to my stomach every time she puts a 1:1 on my calendar. I currently have a part time contract role that is way better environment wise, but no benefits. They offered me more hours and I am considering it.

Additional info: Contract role is well paying and is a level up from my current role. So pays more, better environment.

what would you do in my shoes ?

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AnonymousOctober 4,2023 at 2:10AM UTC
I would definitely go with the contract role. I've been in both positions recently and oh how I miss Starbucks being a tax write-off with mileage and everything else. The lack of benefits didn't bother me as I could have control of my own investments instead of a company's 401k and retirement plan.
AnonymousOctober 4,2023 at 3:09AM UTC
I would take it, for sure. Just remember that you have no allegiance to this company and can leave whenever you want to.
Try your best to get as many of the contractor 'benefits' you are legally entitled to. Such as, at least, some (or total) schedule flexibility for unpaid time off, daily personal errands, etc.
AnonymousOctober 4,2023 at 8:43AM UTC
I left a FT toxic company role for a contract to hire opportunity, which is not exactly the same thing, but it was still a leap of faith that they'd convert me to staff after 3 months there.
I've NEVER regretted it.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistOctober 5,2023 at 2:03AM UTC
The reason many people are reluctant to consider contract roles is they think they have job security at their permanent position. There is really no job security anymore. Companies can and do lay off employees all the time.
Since there are no benefits, check out your State Exchange. You're probably already paying for a portion of your medical insurance yourself, with the increase in comp, it might be viable for you to get coverage through your exchange.
All things you've mentioned - unhappy in your current position, good pay and a level up - sound like green lights to me.
GOOD LUCK!!
AnonymousOctober 6,2023 at 5:00AM UTC
Not exactly the same but I was laid off from a FTE role and was offered a contract role that was a step up. It has been the best decision I could have made.
I have learned so much and knowing it is a contract role has allowed me to take a bit of pressure off myself and try out that higher role without feeling like it is a lifetime position.
My contract actually finishes in 2 months and since they were not able to give me a full-time role (no matching role available) they extended my contract for another 12 months with a raise.
And I am happy with it. I like what I do and I am learning new skills. It is almost my shelter from the storm amid all the tech layoffs and slowdowns, and when the hiring kicks back up, I will be ready to go back to a full-time role either with this company or another one.
I think that is probably enough time to get experience and make myself more marketable that I was when I got laid off, so it is completely worth it.
AnonymousOctober 6,2023 at 1:09PM UTC
I’ve made the switch to contracting due to an crappy boss and I honestly love it. The peace of mind is everything and you can always find an affordable insurance option on your own. I realized the only reason I was afraid of contracting was fear.
AnonymousOctober 6,2023 at 2:26PM UTC
I actually left a full time position to take a contract position. The turnover at the company was horrible-90 people left in an 18 month timeframe. The week I have notice 6 other people did the same. Sometimes the risk is worth your sanity. Good luck
AnonymousOctober 7,2023 at 2:14PM UTC
I left a full time government job when an insecure narcissist of a boss went on a personal vendetta against me. I did contract roles and coasted for 3 years by choice. It was glorious!
Robin FournierOctober 7,2023 at 9:21PM UTC
“There is no wealth without risk”
Pete Merritt
“Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway”
Susan Jeffers, PhD
AnonymousOctober 10,2023 at 2:13AM UTC
No, I've done the opposite. I've left toxic contract roles for the relative stability, benefits and career advancement that a permanent role offers. Would never go back to contract work. Ever.
Keep in mind that with a temp role, not only are there no benefits, there is even less career security than with a permanent role (that may not be all that permanent in this day and age). If they want to let you go, they'll kick you to the curb. In many cases your supervisor doesn't even have the decency to tell you themselves. Beware the dreaded phone call from the agency at 6 p.m. on a Friday night . . .
Good luck!
AnonymousOctober 14,2023 at 12:57PM UTC
I left a position that I loved but the toxicity was unbearable. I had a temporary administrator that kept calling me embarrassing I first was going to give notice until she said it one more time and I left on the spot. I regret letting my emotions get the best of me but I guess it was my breaking point. They gave me my vacation personal time because they said they knew what she did. It was constant fighting in my office. I am unsure what I will say in my interview. I won’t bad mouth them but I think it’s fair to say something like my vision was different. Any thoughts