The Reality of Being a Contract Worker: The Good, the Bad, and the Uncertain

Hello friends,

This week feel so heavy for me. As I shared on my social media like Facebook, I currently sakit gigi and temporary as single parent as my husband went to KL for work for 3 weeks and out of nowhere, my manager from KL update me regards the contract with my current workplace. I'm grateful my contract will be renew but I feel bad for my friend... This make me feel uncertain and I honestly feel scared with my current status, anytime can happen, right?

I’ve experienced life as a contract worker since 2021 after I left my permanent position at SONY in Feb 2021, and while it offers certain perks, it also comes with unique challenges that not everyone talks about.

In this post, I’ll share my personal thoughts on the reality of being a contract worker—the good, the bad, and the uncertain.

The Good: Flexibility and New Opportunities

One of the biggest advantages of contract work is flexibility. Contract roles allow you to explore various industries, companies, and skill sets. I love this because I am someone that always scared to go for an interview. Instead of being tied down to one job for years, you get to move around and discover what you really enjoy doing. It can feel empowering to know you’re not locked into a long-term commitment.

Another positive is that contract positions often expose you to valuable experiences. In my case, I’ve worked on diverse projects with teams from different backgrounds, gaining insights that I might not have experienced in a permanent role. It’s also a great way to build a professional network—the more companies you work with, the more people you connect with, which can open doors in the future.

The Bad: Job Insecurity and Lack of Benefits

However, the downside of being a contract worker is the lack of job security. There’s always the looming fear of your contract not being renewed, especially if the company’s budget changes or priorities shift. This uncertainty can make it hard to plan for the future—whether it’s saving for big goals or just feeling stable in your career.

Another challenge is the lack of benefits. As a contract worker, you typically won’t have access to health insurance, paid leave, or retirement contributions from the company. This means you need to take extra care of your finances, like setting aside emergency savings and buying your own insurance policies. But, as for my current workplace, I am grateful I am entitled for health insurance, paid leave and retirement contributions from the company.

There’s also the emotional toll of feeling like an “outsider” at work. While permanent staff enjoy perks like bonuses or team-building activities, contract workers may feel left out or treated differently, as though they are just temporary help. This can affect motivation and a sense of belonging.

The Uncertain: What Happens Next?

One of the hardest parts of being a contract worker is the constant uncertainty about what comes next. When your contract ends, you might find yourself scrambling to secure the next work, which can be stressful. Unlike permanent employees, who can climb the ladder within one organization, contract workers need to always be on the lookout for new opportunities, which means more time spent job hunting and networking.

Additionally, there’s the challenge of career progression. Sometimes, companies prefer to keep you on a rolling contract instead of converting you to a permanent position. This leaves you wondering if all your effort will ever pay off in terms of growth or stability.

How I Manage the Contract Life

To cope with these challenges, I’ve learned to:

• Network actively to stay informed about potential job opportunities before a contract ends.

• Develop new skills constantly to stay competitive in the job market. Online courses and workshops have been a lifeline for me.

• Budget carefully and save money during high-earning months to prepare for gaps between contracts. This is really hard for me for this moment but I will make it!

• Find joy outside of work to maintain balance. It’s easy to let uncertainty take over, but focusing on hobbies or spending time with loved ones keeps me grounded.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

Being a contract worker isn’t easy. It requires adaptability, financial discipline, and a bit of courage to embrace the uncertainties. But it’s also an opportunity to grow, learn, and discover what truly matters to you.

While the future might feel unclear at times, I’ve learned that every job—whether permanent or temporary—teaches you something valuable. In the end, being a contract worker isn’t just about surviving each gig; it’s about building a career on your own terms.