Over the past three years it has become so much easier for architects and design professionals to find freelance opportunities. Now that more employees prioritize work-life balance and want to be in charge of their own schedules, contract work or freelancing has become a great way for designers to grow their career and gain experience. Here are a few of the many reasons why you shouldn’t fear temporary and contract work.
Gain Valuable Experience
One of the best ways for new architects and designers to gain some on-the-job experience is through contract work. Yet, many recent college graduates are reluctant to even consider contract work just because it lacks job security. Contract work is a great way to learn how to promote yourself while building-up your brand. Even if you’re a seasoned designer, freelancers are often exposed to a variety of different projects in short amounts of time. This type of work allows you to multiply your skillset rapidly making you a valuable asset to design firms in both a contract and full time capacity.
Build Your Portfolio
Many new candidates struggle finding their first design jobs because they don’t have projects to highlight in their portfolios. Accepting contract work is an effective way to bridge the gap between having no experience and promoting your brand. It’s also helpful if you are trying to move into a new niche and you need to build a certain area of your portfolio.
Gain Entry to a Great Firm
Many architecture firms mitigate the chances of making a bad hire by vetting potential full-time employees with contract work. If a hiring manager is unsure whether or not you would be a good fit for a permanent role, then you might be able to get your foot in the door by offering to accept a temporary position to impress them with your design skills.
More Flexibility = Less Office Politics
If you’re dreaming of a job that you can complete and go home at the end of the day, contract work is the closest thing that you’ll find. Most full-time jobs also come with plenty of other strings attached like office meetings, trainings, annual performance reviews etc. Contract work is suggested for those professional designers looking for a better work-life balance.
Enjoy Exceptional Hourly Pay
Instead of negotiating an annual salary, independent contractors can receive up to 100% higher gross pay because employers don’t have to consider permanent expenses like health benefits, unemployment compensation, Social Security taxes, and Medicare taxes.
Basically you have very little to lose with contract work, and many things to gain. You’re more likely to receive great pay, flexibility, experience, and more often than not, these temporary positions lead to better permanent opportunities at prominent architecture firms.
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