Why A Perm Placement Doesn't Have To Mean The End Of New Projects
Although a permanent role tends to be the preferred type of employment for most people, projects will always have a certain allure for those looking to get ahead. They provide a wide variety of additional benefits including:
- Taking on projects offers a chance to boost your income and savings- Projects give you a chance to enhance your skills, gain vital new experience, and progress your career- At the same time, you also get a chance to build your network and make contacts in a field that you have a particular interest in. Again, setting you up nicely for future possible positions.
Considerations to take before applying for a project
However, if you are already in employment, it's important to assess some key considerations before you make a decision about taking on project work.
Perhaps the most important one here is the nature of your contract. Many have a non-compete or 'whole duty, care and attention' clause that seems to prevent other work of any kind. However, these contracts are increasingly hard to enforce - even where employers would want to try to do so, and risk damaging their employer brand. The world of work is changing fast and talented individuals are keen to have portfolio careers rather than traditional and linear career paths.
The best thing to do is to speak to your employer so that they are fully aware of the situation and you can explain how you will be in a position to give your best efforts to both areas.
Take the same time to ask yourself whether you can really take on a project on top of a full-time role. For example, if you simply want more money, a promotion or better opportunities to advance your career, you might actually be better to look for a new position overall, rather than simply take on extra work.
Revisit your career plans and assess the freelance work project within the context of your goals. Is it a strategic project that will take you forwards in the direction that you want to go? Are you prepared to sacrifice your free time in order to make a short-term investment in a project, that ultimately leapfrogs you ahead into a better role?
Do a cost/benefit analysis in terms of what you will gain and lose. Yes, the money and career-boosting will be important, but will the extra work risk leaving you burned out or mean that you can't give enough attention to important relationships in your life?
It may be worth speaking to a career coach to clarify your own goals and values when challenging questions like this arise. It may simply be that a project isn't right for you - at this time. It doesn't mean that it won't be in the future.
Perhaps ultimately, the fact you are even considering something exciting and new means it's time to revisit your career path and see if there is scope for a new role that really gets you excited in the morning and fills your day meaningfully. New challenges and skills are always woven into the right kind of new job, so review your own position and see what's out there to reboot your career aspirations.
How Coltech can help
We are experts in linking up talented individuals with forward-thinking companies who offer excellent roles - and we take real pride in making great matches that delight our clients and candidates alike. Contact us to find out more about how we can help, and for a chat on a confidential basis.
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Details
December 3, 2021
Coltech Global
Name: Patrick Waites
Phone: +447767477994
Email: patrick@coltech.io