Career Coach: Temporary or Permament?

Are you a temporary or a permanent employee? Most of us, if asked, would proudly say, “My position isn’t a temp job—I am a permanent, full-time employee.” Well, I hope you will forgive me, but it's actually a trick question. However, I ask it with the best of intentions!

The truth is, that kind of thinking can get you into trouble. In today's marketplace, companies and organizations don’t think in terms of permanence, and neither should you. I’m not advocating that you should stop being loyal to your employer, but rather that you should think like a free agent. Do your best work during your time with any given company...but keep your options open. Your first responsibility must be to yourself.

To clarify, a "free agent" is not subject to commitments that restrict his or her actions. By all means, make and keep commitments to your employer—just not ones that restrict your options in the long run. The only real security you have is your skill set, your work ethic, your interpersonal skills and your emotional intelligence...as well as your ability to navigate the marketplace with agility.

Top companies want top talent, and they know that shrinking opportunity is no way to keep these people on board. Instead, they court them with mutually rewarding contracts that allow both parties to continually monitor and negotiate the terms of employment. Companies and free agents alike should never take one another for granted. As with any relationship, the moment one party begins to lean too excessively on the other could be the moment the latter half wants out.

Is it time to update your strategy, your way of thinking and even your identity to this end? Food for thought this weekend. Have a good one!

—Alan Allard, Career Coach (and free agent!)