There’s a stigma around temporary jobs. Some think they’re only for low-skilled workers or available in manufacturing alone. Others assume only people who can’t find full-time work take on temporary jobs and that these positions are not secure in any way.

However, the reality is far different. In fact, temporary workers and temporary jobs have become an integral part of our economy. They give both individuals and employers flexibility. On top of that, temporary work can pay extremely well and even come with benefits too, depending on the position.

If the pandemic has made you step back and re-evaluate your 9-5 grind, temporary work can provide a variety of advantages in the meantime, so you can eventually find your perfect career path.

#1: A stronger skill set.

The hiring process for temporary jobs is often less stringent than for full-time work. As a result, you might find yourself in positions where you’re trying out different roles and performing tasks you haven’t before. This enables you to grow your knowledge base and expand your skill set, which will serve you well in future job searches. At the same time, you might be introduced to a position or type of role that you realize you love and want to pursue further in your career.

#2: The opportunity to network.

Not sure where you want to take your career next? No matter where you’re headed, networking is always important. When you take on temporary assignments, you’ll be placed in various positions with a range of employers, growing your network by leaps and bounds. You’ll also have the chance to learn from people with a more diverse skill set in many industries, again exposing you to career paths you might not even know exist.

#3: A flexible schedule.

If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we must adapt and be flexible. When you work in a temporary role, you can enjoy far more flexibility in your life. You can accept only the assignments that suit your lifestyle and can even take time off in between jobs if that suits you. This will give you the freedom you need to either enroll in classes or take care of your kids or elderly parents.

If you want to work more and get overtime, temporary jobs also offer the opportunity for that, as well. Likewise, if you already have a full-time job and just want to earn some extra income, then temp jobs allow you to work when it’s convenient for you.

#4: A resume gap filler.

If you’ve taken time off of work, whether to raise your family, care for elderly loved ones, or simply stepped away for personal reasons, then there’s a gap on your resume. While this isn’t a deal-breaker, it will certainly be more difficult to get hired for a full-time job.

A temporary job is a better way to get yourself back into the job market and experience many opportunities, so you know what career path you eventually want to take. In the meantime, you’ll be earning an income and benefits so you can take care of your family, as well.

#5: A chance to sample different employers.

You want a job that’s a good fit for you. However, the culture of the employer also needs to mesh well with your personality. If it doesn’t, you might feel out of place and unhappy in your job.

When you work in temporary jobs, you’ll have the chance to experiences positions within an array of industries, as well as with many types of employers. You might find that you thrive in a competitive corporate setting, or that a smaller, family-owned business is more your speed. Whatever the case for you, when you can explore many cultures, each on a temporary basis, you’ll eventually find the one that feels like the perfect fit.

#6: The ability to get your foot in the door with your top-pick employer.

If there’s a company you’ve always wanted to work for, chances are, hiring is competitive. However, you can get your foot in the door far easier and faster with a temporary position. Even if it’s not your ideal job, you’ll get to know the workers, the managers, and the culture and can assess whether it’s truly what you want.

Once the time comes, if you want to apply for a full-time job, you’ll have a much stronger chance of securing it as a trusted temporary worker. Not only that, but you’ll be able to ask your manager and colleagues there to serve as references for you, which will make you a more competitive candidate.

#7: A mental health boost.

If you’ve been unhappy at work for a long time or are unemployed and not getting called back for full-time opportunities, temporary work could be a good solution. You’ll be busy working, earning for your family and growing your skill set. You can also explore different industries and roles, identifying the one you’d like to eventually pursue further in your career. In the meantime, you can get a boost to your mental health if you’re experiencing depression due to a long search or a job you don’t like.

Ready to find your perfect career path with a temporary job?

Turn to Murray Resources. We’re leading the way in filling a wide range of temporary jobs at top employers across the Houston, TX area. We have more than 30 years of experience and many awards under our belt thanks to strong partnerships with local companies and great candidates. Let us help you! Contact us today or search our temporary jobs now.