Permanent Vs Contract Work

 The following tables show some of the relative pros and cons of contract and permanent employment.

PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT
PROS
CONS
Job security
Potential boredom
Company paid benefits
Compulsory Medical Aid/Pension schemes may not be suited to your requirements.
Company paid training
Limited learning opportunities (software, trends, editing styles, etc.)
No job hopping
Sense of being "owned by the company"
Development of social interaction
Office politics and bureaucracy
Advancement of opportunities
Run the risk of being hindered in terms of moving up the ladder

 
 

CONTRACTING
PROS
CONS
Attracts higher hourly/weekly/monthly rate
Lack of advancement (if a preference)
Flexibility
Unemployment risk
More learning opportunities (software, style, DTP, etc.)
Loss of company paid benefits (Health, retirement incentives)
Independence - be your own boss
Risk of not always being offered a position that allows utilization of full potential.
No boredom due to a variety of roles
Tax responsibility
Fewer meetings and other company bureaucracy
Lack of job security
 
Social turnover