The concept of project-based work in the IT and other technology allied professions is not new. But it has gained more popularity since the global pandemic brought several changes to work cultures. During the pandemic, the demand for technology professionals was unprecedented as companies ramped up to work remotely, executed digital transformations, implemented cyber security protocols, and enhanced eCommerce platforms. Many businesses were doing more than one of these and each initiative called for unique skills with an expediated completion date.
These days most business leaders in the tech space are offering remote or hybrid roles along with flexible project-based opportunities, with a competitive salary, recognition, and benefits. The result: job options for job seekers in the tech space are more abundant and robust than ever before. Many IT jobseekers are now searching for project-based roles as they seek flexibility in their career to make more time for other aspects of their life.
If you are an IT professional and are unsure of whether opting for project-based tech roles is the right career choice for you, here are 5 reasons you should consider contract work:
Expedited deliverables
Project-based work is often more fast-paced than permanent roles. The challenges and roadblocks that you may face are particular to flexible project work. The work is less routine and often unpredictable. IT professionals in flexible work must often think on their feet, make quick decisions, and drive positive outcomes for their projects while adhering to a set deadline.
Working in such a fast-paced, mobile, and technologically based workspace can shape your overall personality and professional acumen in a much different way than a traditional 9-5 role, where total immersion in one area is rare.
Flexible work schedules
Project-based work tends to offer more flexibility compared to a permanent full-time role. This means you may have the option to assign work, complete tasks, and set priorities at your own schedule while adhering to an overall deadline. Asynchronistic work often gives you the chance to think out of the box and explore creative solutions since you are no longer constrained by a strict timeline on a day-to-day basis. allows for
Research indicates that employees who work flex hours experience higher productivity, reduced stress, increased well-being, and better work-life balance.
Adding diverse skills & experience to each new project
Technology projects need diverse technologies and skills that you may or may not have worked on before. Each time you accept a new project, you may be required to learn or relearn a set of tech or management skills to achieve your project deliverables.
Working in a project-based role helps you get practical experience and upskill in new technologies. These skills and technologies can help to strengthen your resume in due course of your career, setting you up for higher compensation and roles in the future.
Project-based roles also tend to work with diverse teams with unique skill sets brought together for this specific initiative, allowing you to build your network and learn from other teammates.
Resume Gaps
The hiring cycle for flexible and project-based roles is often shorter than for permanent positions. This is because most of the roles in this category are subject to project timelines and are often urgent in some cases.
As a candidate, this means that you may not have to go through lengthy hiring processes when interviewing for a consulting role. This works typically well if you are someone looking to add versatile experience in your resume from one project to another without significant gaps in between projects.
Financial Benefits
Many companies are willing to pay more to hire consultants rather than permanent positions, as they understand the value of diverse skills, knowledge, and experience such candidates bring and that candidates are off the “market” for a certain duration only. Often candidates working in flexible positions have the option to choose between competitive job offers solely based on the financial remuneration as benefits and other traditional rewards are not usually offered with contract positions. Moreover, as a contract employee, you can also claim “business expenses” during your tax filing such as Wi-Fi, computer, car repairs, etc., especially if you are incorporated and traveling to work.
Project-based positions are a perfect choice when candidates want to enjoy the monetary benefits, and independently manage their own revenue and expenses without a long-term commitment.
Where to find flexible IT jobs in Canada?
At Agilus, flexibility is one of the first things our recruiting team confirms whether you are an active or passive candidate before we talk about the job responsibilities or compensation. We understand that some IT professionals are looking for flexibility in where they work and often this is non-negotiable.
The new cohort of technology employees seeking “flexible work opportunities” is growing and Agilus works across Canada with multinational tech firms, fintech, eCommerce, and local tech startups, who are accommodating the demands of these new technology professionals in exchange for their skills, knowledge, and experience. Agilus and The Delivery Group, a division of Agilus, are actively recruiting for numerous technology positions and project managers.
If you are an IT professional looking for project-based opportunities or permanent positions, get in touch with our IT recruitment team and find out how you can leverage your skills and experience to find a suitable opportunity that meets your needs.
