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Says Andy McCormack, a qualified Counsellor and Life/Career Coach.

People contract in the workforce for a number of reasons. Some are ‘Professional Career Contractors’ whilst others are ‘in between jobs’, whilst some others are looking at contract work as being a career development move. Over the last 18 months the increase in contractors looking for work in the market has increased significantly as the numbers have swelled due to the number of people being made redundant and therefore considering contract work as a ‘stop gap’ until another permanent role comes along.

For those that see contracting as their career, do many actually take a view that each contract is a step onwards in their career? I’m sure for many it has been a consideration in the past, but recent times has resulted in many contractors ‘picking up work’ when they can, doing whatever. This is totally fine in the circumstance, after-all we’ve all got to provide for our families (even if the family is just the dog, cat and goldfish). So when times are tough you’ve got to do what you have to, to make things work and to survive.

However, with the market starting to pick up (albeit slowly) now is the time for that career focus to return to your thoughts. Don’t get me wrong, it is still tough out there, but now is the time to start looking at your options with a thought of “what’s this going to do for my career in the long run?” What are the new skills, new areas or new industries you can get exposure to? Sometimes a lower rate contract in a role that can enhance your skills is better than a better paying role that involves doing the same as you did in your last 3 roles. Contractor’s need to have one eye on the future again, as opposed to both eyes firmly looking at the present.

If you would like some external support then contact Andy at www.itsmylife.co.nz.  Andy McCormack is a qualified Counsellor and Life/Career Coach.  He is also a partner and proud supporter of Crackerjacks.