Monday, August 6, 2012

Contingency Workforce – the New Normal



An article in The Dallas Morning News, August 5, 2012, edition “Jobs refrain: This is only temporary” on page 1A, by Sheryl Jean discusses the increasing trend toward temporary workers.  Using a number of anecdotal cases of individuals leaving full-time jobs – voluntary or otherwise, Sheryl describes the plight of many workers.

Certainly in today’s economic environment organizations are reassessing their staffing requirements and frequently are using temporary staff to cover short-term needs.

The bad news for workers losing their jobs is that they also lose pay and benefits.  The good news is that this departure may open the way to a better full time job or the potential for self-employment.

If you lose your full-time job, perhaps this is the time to be more frugal and eliminate unnecessary activities like eating out and going to sporting events.  In addition, this is also good opportunity to consider your personal plan, determine your objectives and develop strategies to accomplish your objectives.   I have posted several blogs dealing with career objectives and job search strategies.

A final note is there are many positives about being a temporary, part-time, or contingency worker.  I am thinking about substitute and adjunct teaching, military reserve duty, and being listed with temporary agencies. With temporary jobs, you can usually work when you want to and can avoid office politics.  Who knows?  You can find an organization or vocation that will be life changing.   

Please share with readers of this blog or email me at glynjordan@gmail.com your thoughts about contingency work.  

Thanks.   Glyn

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