Contract jobs are readily available all over Canada. As with any positions there are pros and cons. Inform yourself so you can make the decision that is right for you.
Contracts can be a good way to make a start, at a higher wage, in Canada. They are available in almost every profession and for variable lengths of time. They can be a great place to start for someone new to Canada seeking employment security.
How long does contract employment last?
Typically, the minimum time for a contract is one year, but it can be extended up to six years. In some companies and professions it is not unheard of to have a contract with an open-ended time frame.
How do you get a contract job?
Employment agencies or temporary agencies can provide you with the contract position you seek. There are as many agencies as there are professions and some specialise in specific job markets, while others will cover a variety of different job markets.
Another type of contract employment can be found in professions which can allow you to work from home. These are often referred to as freelancers and the market for these in Canada is very high. You can check out sites like The International Homeworkers Alliance (www.homeworkers.org) to find a list of companies seeking individuals to work for them as freelancers.
There are some words of caution to those wishing to pursue this form of employment:
- There can be severe penalties for breaking an employment contract
- Due to the fact that you are a private contractor, taxes and the payment of them may be something you are required to do yourself.
- Private contractors rarely have any form of health, dental or medical coverage.
- There are many scams claiming to hire people as freelancers and as a result you should ensure that you check out the Better Business Bureau for any information on companies before you begin working with them.
Contract work can be great for someone who is looking to get started in a field at a higher wage. The biggest thing you should consider when choosing a contract job is how well you will be able to stick to it (one-year contracts with option of renewal tend to be the best choice), and the fact that the wage is high enough to make up for the lack of benefits.
Ensure you read the contract carefully and fully understand it before you sign for the position.