Will taking a contract position set back a tech career?

Question

Will taking a contract position set back a tech career?
I have worked for a technology company for 15 years. Get laid off.
If I take a contract job, will this set back my career?
Companies will look at it like I cannot get a real job?
Will I get stuck in only contract jobs for the future?

Answer 1

Nope, not at all. There are people who have entire careers as a contractor. I've never looked at someone who had a contract position as taken it because they couldn't get a full-time position.



Now you may want to address that when you're interviewing for full-time positions in the future. When I see someone with a lot of contracts, I worry that they enjoy the dynamic changes in position, and won't want to stay in a permanent position for long. However, you have a 15 year position to address that. So, the interviewer may ask you about being at one company for 15 years, and then doing contract work - and your reasons why. It shouldn't be a problem, though.

Answer 2

Not at all.

I work contract in the energy business and those are the "safest" (as far as job security) positions out there. They are also the most lucrative.In fact,some customers will offer you a job if they see how qualified and competent that you are, often just because they want to stop for you as a contractor.



Going forward a number of old ideas about employment are going to change.

Any misconceptions about contract work will likely be among them.