why millions of americans are choosing contract and temporary work.

A decade ago, temporary work was looked down upon as a poor substitute for full-time work. Temp jobs were only suitable as entry-level work for students and those without the experience needed to secure full-time jobs. Today, in the age of shared workspaces, freelancing and consulting gigs, and countless other changes to the way we work, temporary jobs no longer have the same stigma.

Americans are gravitating to temporary and contract jobs at an unprecedented rate. As of April 2023, 1.93 percent of the workforce was comprised of temporary workers. That’s a whopping 2 million workers. The trend isn’t slowing. In fact, many people are opting to make temporary work their new full-time job. Below are a handful of reasons so many Americans are turning to temporary jobs as an attractive alternative to full-time.

create a flexible schedule

Contract and temp work provide an opportunity to pursue work that doesn’t take over your entire life. Whether you’re a parent with several young children, a student with a packed course load, or a freelancer who has a handful of clients counting on you. Temp jobs allow you to supplement your income without the commitment required for a full-time job. You can take on temporary work contracts when it’s most convenient for you — if you have time to spare during your summer break, a lull in business, or when the kids are occupied at school.

enjoy independence

Once upon a time, workers who racked up a handful of job titles and positions throughout their careers were considered flaky and unemployable. No more. More than any previous generation, Millennials consider autonomy a key factor when choosing a job. Unlike their Baby Boomer parents, Millennials have no desire to stick with a job for 10+ years. Frequently switching jobs is the new normal. Today, the average worker stays at a job for 4.1 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This would mean the average worker holds over 10 different jobs from age 18 to 65. Temp jobs, contract worker, and having a side hustles are becoming the new normal.

develop new skills

In our brave new world, filled with ever-advancing tech, adopting new skills isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential for most employers. The current job market values those with diverse skills that are constantly being updated and improved. This is something contract work and temp jobs bring to the workplace in spades — as you take on new temp jobs, you’ll inevitably learn new skills. Fitting seamlessly into a variety of contract jobs also showcases a key skill you can use anywhere: your adaptability.

manage expectations

When you’re locked into a full-time job, the expectations placed upon you are much heavier. You’re a full-time, permanent employee. Such a title comes with more responsibility and a deeper level of integration into the company. You may be expected to work longer hours, be on call, or otherwise be reachable during off-work hours. Temporary or part time jobs are free of many of these expectations and therefore often have more control over their work-life balance.

take advantage of variety

Working temporary jobs allows you to experience a variety of workplaces and develop new skills constantly. If you’re the type of person who gets restless doing the same job day in and day out, temporary work is a perfect alternative. With the right skills, some determination, and the help of a recruitment application such as the Randstad app, you can book back-to-back contract work with different companies with diverse cultures that call on entirely different skill sets.