Have you ever felt this as a contractor?

Anonymous

January 17,2023 at 12:17AM UTC

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Have you ever felt this as a contractor?

After looking for a job for months I took my first contract role for 6 months.I'm grateful to have it so that I can have an income for the time.I completely detach daily knowing that it's a role with no possible extension or FT hire.Its a company that tends to hire more contactors than FTEs.I don't mean to complain but the thought of knowing I'll have to continue the rigorous search again for a position has me stressing already.

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PatriciaJanuary 17,2023 at 12:56PM UTC
Story of my life...... and it only got worse once the pandemic hit. My last role was for 6 months, the previous one was for 2 months, the one before that was for 6 months. I would suggest you learn what you can from this role, and in 4 months time, start looking for positions that interest you that are either permanent or are longer contracts. I found that it's easier to land a role whilst employed so don't wait until this contract ends before you start looking.
AnonymousJanuary 17,2023 at 2:40PM UTC
Thank you so much! Being a contractor is completely new and I thought I was being crazy for feeling this way
PatriciaJanuary 18,2023 at 7:24AM UTC
You are welcome. I have been contracting since 1998. I have just secured a 12 month contract, which I hope will extend, but I have learned the hard way that it's never a given - no matter how well you perform.
AnonymousJanuary 18,2023 at 12:44PM UTC
Congratulations on the new contract?
PatriciaJanuary 18,2023 at 11:23PM UTC
Thank you!
Rebecca AliJanuary 17,2023 at 3:15PM UTC
In any temp role I've had, I've approached it as a learning experience. I've also always felt that it's a small world and if I do a great job here, then maybe someone will put in a good word for me elsewhere. You just never know when a door will open. I would say - and it's easy to say and harder to do - focus on taking it day by day and try not to let worry creep into your performance. Control what you can control - your performance, your search, your attitude. Good luck.
AnonymousJanuary 17,2023 at 11:04PM UTC
That is the life of a contractor until you build up your client base.
AnonymousJanuary 19,2023 at 2:58PM UTC
Yes, that this the life of being a contractor. Continue to build the skill set and do research on future contracts before accepting.
AnonymousJanuary 25,2023 at 7:02PM UTC
At the present time it is taking 3-6 months to find a new job. The market is glutted with many talented folks who have been laid off. It's also the time of year that many companies are doing annual budgets and assessing and reassessing their hiring needs. Start looking again now and it you allocated set times per week to do your applications and reach outs perhaps your stress will be lessened.