Which Option Is Right for You?
Side hustles, gig work, freelancing, temp jobs, contract assignments – work has many different names these days, especially when it is not in the form of a traditional full time permanent job. With more options than ever, workers and employers are facing many different choices – but do you understand the differences and the semantics? Understanding the differences between temporary work and gig work can help you navigate the workplace to your best advantage.
Temporary Work: The Classic Short-Term Solution
Temporary work isn’t exactly new on the scene—it’s the trusty sidekick that’s always there when you need it. For decades, companies have been bringing in temporary workers to cover employees on leave, tackle seasonal spikes, or execute special projects. These roles can be a short sprint of a few days or a marathon lasting several months to even years.
Typically, temporary jobs are sourced through staffing agencies, such as Lloyd Staffing, that do all the heavy lifting of recruitment, screening, and placement. For employers, it’s like having a personal shopper for talent. You get the skills you need without the long-term commitment, and you can even test out potential permanent hires as temps and convert them if they are a good fit. These are generally known as “temp-to-hire” opportunities.
For workers, temp jobs offer a buffet of opportunities to explore different industries, build a diverse skill set, and expand professional networks. It’s the perfect setup if you’re looking to dip your toes in different pools before diving into a full-time role or you need to gain practical hands-on experience in an industry or improve proficiency in specific skills. Best of all, you need not go searching for the work yourself – by registering with a temporary staffing agency near you, you become an employee of the temporary service and will earn a weekly paycheck.
There are some downsides. – The negatives of temping or working a contract assignment means there can be little job security. Your assignment could end unexpectedly. You also do not have access to employee benefits – unless the agency you are working for provides them to you. Some staffing agencies such as Lloyd offer temporary employees access to health insurance, paid time off, a 401K plan and more through programs like LloydEmployed. However, we are also told that individuals who have worked as temporary employees say you can sometimes feel isolated from the team – the full time staff may or may not treat you with the same considerations of a colleague so you might have to work harder to earn their trust and a level of camaraderie.
Gig Work:The Freelance Frontier
Now, let’s talk about gig work, occassionally referred to as the rockstar of the modern job scene. Imagine being your own boss, setting your schedule, and choosing the projects that ignite your passion. That’s gig work in a nutshell. Whether you’re driving for a rideshare company or crafting a logo for a startup, gig workers are the ultimate free agents.
Gig work is all about independence. You choose your gigs, negotiate your rates, and decide when and where to work. Of course, this freedom comes with its own set of responsibilities—think taxes, insurance, and managing your own benefits. As a gig worker you are essentially self-employed choosing which gigs you will take on. Be aware that the he platforms that connect gig workers to clients usually take a cut out of the workers earning for providing the service. Some of the more popular gig worker platforms include:
• Fiverr – It covers a wide range of services including design, writing, and digital marketing. Freelancers can set up a profile and offer different packages at varying price points to attract customers.
• TaskRabbit – connects individuals with users needing help with various personal tasks like cleaning, moving assistance, or furniture assembly. Taskers, as they are known, can choose when they are available for work, which allows for flexible scheduling
• Shipt – specializes in grocery delivery, it enables shoppers to earn by shopping for and delivering groceries as specified by customers.
• Uber – this pioneer in the ride-sharing industry provides various tiers of service depending on the driver’s vehicle type. Drivers can earn based on the volume of rides, especially during surge pricing times.
• Upwork – connects freelancers with short-term and full-time jobs across many fields including design, marketing, and customer service. Freelancers need to create a comprehensive profile and can submit proposals for jobs
Why Employers Use Gig Workers
Employers are also big fans of gig workers for a few key reasons:
- On-Demand Talent: Need a specialized skill for a short-term project? Gig workers have you covered.
- Cost Efficiency: Pay for the work done without the overhead of a full-time employee.
- Scalability: Easily scale up or down based on project demands without worrying about the logistics of full-time staffing.
- Not Your Problem – Gig workers are generally considered independent contractors, not employees. However, their classification can vary depending on the laws and regulations in different regions.
Differences between Temporary Work and Gig Work Making the Choice: What’s Right for You?
For Individuals:
If you are an individual, deciding between temporary work and gig work depends on your goals, lifestyle preferences, and financial needs.
- Do you value stability or flexibility more? If you crave stability and the chance to potentially land a permanent role, temporary work might be your thing. On the other hand, if freedom and flexibility light your fire, gig work could be your perfect match.
- Are you looking for long-term employment or short-term projects? Temporary work can be a gateway to permanent roles, while gig work offers the thrill of new projects without the commitment.
- Do you want structured work or independence? Temporary roles often come with benefits and a structured work environment, whereas gig work is for those who love to blaze their own trail.
For Employers:
- What are your staffing needs? Consider the length, complexity, and skills required for your projects. Temporary workers are great for short-term needs, while gig workers bring specialized skills for specific tasks.
- Do you have the resources to manage HR functions internally? If not, temporary staffing agencies can be your best friend in handling recruitment and administration.
- How important is consistency? If consistent work quality and availability are crucial, temporary workers may offer more stability than gig workers.
The Best of Both Worlds
Ultimately, the choice between temporary work and gig work boils down to your unique needs and circumstances. Both options offer valuable opportunities for workers and employers alike, allowing them to navigate the ever-changing job market with agility and purpose.
So whether you’re looking to tap into a talented pool of temporary workers or explore the freedom of gig work, understanding these distinctions will empower you to make informed decisions. Remember, the key is to align your choices with your goals, aspirations, and the future you envision for yourself or your business.
In the end, both temporary work and gig work have their place in the modern job market. It’s all about finding the fit that aligns with your goals, whether you’re an employer seeking flexibility or a worker chasing freedom.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nancy Schuman, CSP is the former Chief Commuications Officer for LLoyd Staffing.
A recruitment and career specialist, Nancy has more than 40 years in the staffing industry – 27 of them with LLoyd. Now semi-retired, she remains an advocate for career education; she has advised thousands of candidates on their resumes and job searches while also serving as the Careers columnist for a large weekly Long Island newspaper. Nancy has written 11 popular books for job seekers and business professionals. You can find her Author’s page and books on Amazon. She continues to blog for Lloyd and coach job seekers at all levels, offering advice for today’s competitive workplace.
ADDITIONAL BLOGS WORTH READING…
Is Freelance Work the Future of Empoyment?