By Pat Brown, MBA
Losing a job can be overwhelming, but it also presents an opportunity to reassess your career path and explore new options. One of the biggest questions professionals face after a layoff is whether to take temporary or contract work while searching for a full-time position.
The short answer? It depends on your financial situation, career goals, and personal preferences. Below, we’ll explore the pros and cons of temporary and contract work, and whether it’s the right move for you.
The Benefits of Temporary or Contract Work
✅ 1. Keeps Income Flowing
A layoff can put financial strain on your household, especially if you weren’t prepared for an unexpected job loss. Temporary or contract work can provide a steady source of income while you search for a permanent role.
Tip: Calculate your monthly expenses and determine how much income you need to stay afloat.
✅ 2. Fills Employment Gaps on Your Resume
Long gaps in employment can sometimes raise red flags for recruiters. Taking on temporary or contract work keeps your resume active and shows you’re staying engaged in your industry.
✅ 3. Expands Your Network
Every contract or temporary job introduces you to new colleagues, hiring managers, and industry connections. These relationships can lead to full-time job offers or referrals to other opportunities.
Example: A short-term contract role at a marketing firm could connect you with professionals who later recommend you for a full-time position at another company.
✅ 4. Gives You Flexibility
Temporary and contract roles offer more control over your schedule. If you need time to job search, attend interviews, or even explore new career paths, contract work can provide income without a long-term commitment.
✅ 5. Helps You Gain New Skills
If you’ve been in the same job for years, contract roles can expose you to new industries, technologies, or skill sets. This experience can make you more marketable for future positions.
The Downsides of Temporary or Contract Work
❌ 1. Lack of Benefits
Most temporary and contract jobs do not offer health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off. If benefits are important to you, this could be a major drawback.
Solution: Check if you qualify for COBRA or explore short-term health insurance options.
❌ 2. Less Job Security
By nature, contract and temporary jobs have an end date. If stability is a priority, you may prefer to focus on landing a permanent role instead.
❌ 3. Possible Lower Pay
Some temporary jobs may pay less than full-time positions, though this varies by industry. It’s important to compare hourly rates vs. salary equivalents to determine if the pay makes sense for you.
❌ 4. Can Distract from Your Full-Time Job Search
Juggling a temporary job while searching for full-time work can be exhausting. Some people find that contract work delays their job search progress because they have less time and energy to focus on applying and networking.
Solution: Set a clear time limit for how long you’ll take temporary work before refocusing on full-time opportunities.
When Does Temporary Work Make Sense?
You should consider temporary or contract work if:
✔ You need immediate income to cover expenses.
✔ You want to stay active in your field and avoid employment gaps.
✔ You’re looking to build new skills or explore new industries.
✔ You want networking opportunities to help land a full-time role.
✔ You enjoy flexible work arrangements rather than a long-term commitment.
However, if job stability, benefits, or long-term career progression are your top priorities, you may be better off focusing entirely on your full-time job search instead.
Final Thoughts: Should You Take a Temporary Job?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but contract or temporary work can be a smart move after a layoff—especially if it aligns with your financial and career goals. The key is to be strategic:
- If you need income, use temporary work as a financial bridge.
- If you’re exploring new career paths, use it as a learning experience.
- If you’re networking, leverage short-term roles to make connections.
Whatever path you choose, stay proactive and keep your long-term career goals in mind—your next full-time opportunity could be just around the corner.
Pat Brown, MBA is a financial and career expert dedicated to helping professionals navigate job transitions and financial planning. His passion is empowering individuals to take control of their careers and finances.
