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Is it worth taking a temporary job?

Posted in Candidates

Published on 18 October, 2023

If you are considering taking a temporary job but are unsure of if it’s the right fit for you, you are not alone!

There are lots of reasons why people may choose temporary positions over taking a permanent placement with a business, and they do have some great benefits that could make them a perfect fit for you.

In the last few months, there has been an increase in candidates looking for temporary contract positions across the South West, and we have certainly seen more of an appetite from businesses who want contract employees to fulfil projects or ease workloads for other employees.

So, if you’re interested in taking a temporary position, here are a few things to consider.

Pros of temporary roles

  • Flexible working. If you are available for work in a specific time frame, for example, 6 months, and know you have upcoming commitments, a temporary contract could be a fantastic solution.
  • Broad experience. Working temporary positions allows you to work within a lot of different businesses and therefore soak up a lot of experience about how teams work together and build on your adaptability skills.
  • Potential for more regular salary payments. Some temporary positions pay weekly or fortnightly which could be helpful for some candidates. At Cathedral Appointments, we pay our Temporary staff weekly.
  • More variety. Having transferrable skills that work across multiple roles means you could work in a broader range of jobs and therefore have more variety in your day-to-day tasks.
  • Opportunity to learn. If you are unsure of what you want to do long-term, temp jobs help you discover what type of work interests you or business sectors that you haven’t experienced before.
  • Quicker employment. Temporary jobs are often easier to secure compared to permanent positions, making them a good option if you need work quickly.

The potential downside of temporary roles

  • If you are on a fixed-term contract, you may need to consider how you will earn money when this contract ends.
  • You may not always feel part of the team in a temporary position as you may only be in the business for a few weeks or months.
  • There’s no guarantee a temporary job will become permanent. However, it is a good way to get in the door with many businesses and showcases your adaptability skills. Many employers do hire temporary positions into permanent roles.


Making the change from permanent to temporary employment contracts can be scary but it’s worth considering the benefits of working short-term roles to see if it’s the right solution for you.


If you are interested in temporary positions, contact our team and we can help you find the perfect role for you.

Recruitment Consultant

Georgia joined the Cathedral Appointments team in July 2022. Prior to this, Georgia was a Sales Executive with Hanlons Brewery for 8 years. Mum to Louis, Georgia also volunteers at Exeter Athletic RFC managing the U15 rugby team and also organises volunteers for the Exeter Chiefs foundation.

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Is it worth taking a temporary job?

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