29 July 2023
Amy Lindgren
Temporary jobs, contract assignments, seasonal employment, gig work — how many ways can we say “short-term” when it comes to work? For some people, these kinds of opportunities are the perfect fit, but for others the prospect of non-permanent employment is a let-down.
If you’re looking for a full-time, “forever” job, taking something interim can feel like a capitulation. It’s just disappointing to be working at something that’s intended to end, especially when it means you’ll be job searching again soon.
That’s one reason job seekers turn down these in-between opportunities, even when they need money. Another reason is the fear of being locked in when a better opportunity comes along. In that scenario, the worker worries they’ll feel obligated to the first job and unable to accept the permanent position they’ve been seeking.
That’s understandable, but not exactly logical. These jobs are meant to end and they are generally filled by individuals heading to something bigger. Employers know this and take the risk of losing their workers when they decide to offer interim instead of regular employment.
Whatever your reasons, if you’ve been ignoring the world of interim jobs, you might be leaving money on the table. Why not do some work while you’re looking for work? Here are some ideas to get you started.
Seasonal jobs: Depending on what is meant by seasonal, we’re either halfway through a season now (summer) or just about to start one (fall). Or perhaps we’re closing in on the back-to-school or holiday season. In resort and recreation areas, the seasonal concept is tied to travel and tourism, with employees needed in both the destinations and the towns that surround them. Given the labor shortages that have plagued employers the past few years, wherever we’re at in a particular season, you have a decent chance of finding an opportunity.
Contract assignments: If you have a professional skill such as writing, managing projects, coding software, creating curriculum, and more, you could find opportunities with companies that need your skill in short bursts, rather than continuously. This is the realm of contracting, which generally commands a higher hourly rate than being on staff, but doesn’t offer benefits or long-term stability.
Temporary work: Temp assignments come in all shapes and sizes, from the three-day fill-in for a sick warehouse worker to the six-month office job to cover someone’s maternity leave. The positions are usually established roles, which means you’re stepping into someone else’s shoes. On the other hand, some companies start their permanent employees this way (temp-to-perm), as a way of checking the fit before they commit. That road runs both ways, making this a good option for workers as well.
Day labor: Just interested in some quick money with no strings attached? Day labor might be the ticket. It’s not for everyone, as the work is usually physical in nature. It’s also difficult not to know in advance whether you’ll have an assignment, since the jobs are given out on a first-come basis in the morning. But if you’re just trying to close a financial gap for the week, day labor can be a good alternative.
Special situations: Some interim jobs are a little different, for any number of reasons. For example, if you work for the State Fair, you’re going to be on site for 10 or 12 long days and then poof — done. On the other hand, if you sign up to work as a substitute teacher, you could be working one or two days a week but on very short notice. And what about employers who specialize in the interim concept, such as AmeriCorps? These government-funded opportunities have expanded to encompass a surprising number of positions at a decent rate of pay — but not on a permanent basis.
These days, one of the best ways to find interim work is by using the internet. For example, if you type a key-word phrase, such as “AmeriCorps jobs” into a search engine, you’ll be led to job opportunities as well as articles about this employer. For temporary assignments or contract positions, start your search with phrases such as “temp firms” or “contract houses.” Or, if you’re using a job board, try plugging in “seasonal jobs” to see what comes up.
Once you’ve found some options, don’t hold back. Interim work is a numbers game, which means the more you apply the better your chances. And once you have your job? Just enjoy yourself and the extra money, but keep searching for your goal job as well. Eventually, that ship will come in too.
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Amy Lindgren owns a career consulting firm in St. Paul. She can be reached at [email protected].