u/Weekly_Roll_4857 wrote (the comment Michael replied to):
Hello Michael! I appreciate the emphasis you place on the importance of securing a software engineering job first, even if it is low-paid. Recruiters have been contacting me, but most offers (70% so far) are for contract roles ranging from 6 to 12 months. My question is this: Sho
u/michaelnovati replied ·
Hi, yeah pros and cons. I'm assuming you are talking about a contract that is effective the same day to day as SWEs on the team but just limited time. If you are being hired to do an isolated, standalone project, then some of the PROS don't apply.
PROS:
1. Real work on your resume is better than projects or volunteering
2. Cash flow can help you have better support, well being and emotional state during the long term job hunt. I wouldn't underestimate the importance of this. A lot of people get super demotivated in the job hunt and it's a factor in success.
3. If the rols is effectively full time but it's a small company that can't hire you as a W2 then I would treat it as a W2 job on your resume and not frame it as a contract.
4. If you renew or extend the contract, that can be a positive signal you did well - a little like a promotion.
5. If you can do 2-3 contracts for 2+ years total then you are in pretty good shape on paper for a better job.
CONS:
1. Does not hold the same weight as a full time role - particularly at top tier companies. They want to hire the best and they ask 'why wouldn't the best have a full time job prior?' (This attitude contributes to lack of diversity in tech but it exists because there are SO MANY APPLICANTS they use signal like this to narrow down people on paper without getting to know you).
2. You are more likely to suddenly lose the contract if you aren't doing great, or if the team changes beyond your control
3. You can sometimes be underpaid. Because contracts don't have benefits or perks (i.e. often times no PTO and days off are unpaid) You should be getting paid MORE cash than you would in the equivalent full role.
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So overall I think it's worth it if you can do #5 above as your plan.