Should you go contract or permanent in the Digital Industry?
By

Since digital marketing is still a relatively new industry, a lot of companies struggle with the type of employment they would like to engage in -Contract versus Permanent employment for candidates in the digital market is a confusing issue for a lot of people. Here’s a brief analysis on the two –

Contract Employment is a temporary form of employment whereas permanent employment is permanent, as the name itself suggests. In general, contractors earn considerably more depending on the hours they put in, while permanent employment comes with the prospect of a lot of additional benefits such as healthcare, and so on. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of the two types of employment –

I. Permanent Employment

Pros of Permanent Employment

There is a strict work schedule that needs to be adhered to. That means day offs, etc. are all pre-planned.

Reduced monetary risk due to getting a steady pay check.

There is a constant expectation to deliver which means that digital marketers will be required to broaden their skill sets when required.

Permanent Employment usually comes with paid time-offs, paid vacation periods, etc.

Income taxes are directly taken from monthly pay checks.

The possibility of getting additional employer incentives such as health insurance, yearly bonuses, promotions, etc.

Cons of Permanent Employment

Workers will have to get used to having a day to day commute to the office.

Limited day offs in a year.

There is a limited scope of work for a digital marketer. The work may get repetitive and just not that interesting to a digital marketer after a while.

Limited scope for branching out and trying out different aspects of digital marketing.

Less or no freedom of choice when it comes to deciding the schedule.

Negotiating pay rates is usually more difficult for full-time employees.

II. Contract Employment

Pros of Being a Contract Employee

Normally contract employees receive better wages than full-time employees. Also, they can negotiate their own pay rates.

Chance to work remotely and set up flexible work hours. Similarly, they can control the amount of work they take on at a time.

Contract employees have the freedom to test out different companies and learn about different work cultures.

Have access to acquiring extra skills swiftly.

Cons of Being a Contract Employee

Work locations may change considerably, based on the location of the company.

Changing locations may make commuting to work severely difficult.

Work does not come with a guarantee. Neither does pay checks. No paid holidays, insurance packages, bonuses, etc. either.

Since Digital Marketing is a volatile and ever-improving industry, professionals have to keep upgrading their skill set to make sure there’s a steady inflow of work.

On the whole permanent employment is suitable for digital marketers who wish to be settled in terms of job security and a steady pay. Contracting is for digital marketing specialists who are happy to travel, learn and negotiate for better pay rates. It is essential for a person to analyse these pros and cons before making a final decision regarding contract or permanent employment.