Which is better: permanent or temporary employment? Ultimately, it helps to weigh the pros and cons of both employment options. That way, you can pursue perm or temp jobs that align with your skillset and career interests.

What’s the Difference Between Permanent and Temporary Jobs?

A permanent job refers to a position in which you are a part- or full-time salaried employee. The job involves a contract that stipulates the number of hours you work each week.

Comparatively, a temporary job is a position in which you work for a designated amount of time. A temp job can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Upon completing your assignment, you are free to reenter the job market and pursue a position elsewhere. In some instances, an employer may offer to extend the length of a temp job agreement. An employer may even provide a permanent job offer to a temp worker, too.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Permanent Employment?

Permanent jobs often include health insurance, dental insurance, and other perks unavailable with temporary roles. Thus, these jobs can provide greater financial security and peace of mind in contrast to temp positions.

Furthermore, with a perm job, a worker can lay the groundwork for a successful career with a single business. If an employee performs well in a perm role, he or she can climb the corporate ladder. This ensures the employee can advance their career and optimize their earnings.

There is a lot to like about perm jobs, but there are downsides to consider, too. For instance, a permanent job can be monotonous. It may cause workers to feel like they are stuck in a routine, particularly if they perform the same tasks day after day.

Meanwhile, perm employees may feel the need to work long hours. This can inadvertently contribute to burnout and an unhealthy work-life balance.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Temporary Employment?

Whereas a permanent role ties you to one company for as long as you or the business chooses, a temp job offers greater flexibility. In a temp role, you are obligated to work for a business for a set amount of time. Following this period, you can do whatever you’d like for work.

A temp job also provides the flexibility to work at hours that are convenient for you. Therefore, it may be an ideal option for students or parents.

Conversely, temp jobs do not offer a guaranteed salary for an extended period of time. There is no guarantee an employer will extend a temp job or offer a permanent position after a contract is completed, either.

Temp employees generally don’t receive the same benefits provided to permanent workers. As such, a temp worker likely won’t qualify for sick leave, holiday pay, and other perks.

Struggling to Decide Between Permanent and Temporary Employment? HCR Personnel Solutions Can Help

HCR can help you weigh the pros and cons of permanent and temporary employment options. Plus, we can keep you up to date regarding perm and temp roles in the Greater Toronto Area and Southwestern Ontario. To learn more, please contact us today.