October 3, 2012
Life takes many turns - some by choice - others forced upon you. In today's job market the full time employee is often replaced by the consultant. What are the pros and cons to becoming a consulting in your industry? You probably know the answer to this question based on your financial needs and future goals as white collar employees tend to follow trends and recreate themselves in today's job markets.
Salaried means Stable which goes a long way for someone supporting a family, paying debts, needing medical insurance, building towards a pension or 401K, paying taxes correctly, and finding security as the years go by. Most workers want to feel they are making a difference, are looked upon favorably, and have a passion for their job/career. This is not generally the case in today's world. Most people take what they can get for a reasonable salary and so they often turn to consulting or part time jobs.
In the world of the White Collar employee, times have changed along with corporate life and the pressures it creates even for the most capable of workers. This stress causes the breakdown of the physical body after which the person much reevaluate what comes next to earn a living. Many start their own consulting firms, working project to project and taking time off in between. For those who can afford it, it's a great way to go as many companies now prefer to hire consultants.
Consulting ...
Pros: Flexibility, creativity, more direct impact, fewer meetings, your job title and description is generally set.
Cons: Having to market yourself constantly, updating the resume, the challenge of overcoming isolation, the unsteadiness of the workload, jobs benefits lost, etc.
For productivity, engage a white collar contractor PhysOrg - October 3, 2012
Independent contractors are a committed workforce that understands the value of time and avoid distractions, according to new research. A study by researchers from Monash University into the attitudes and experiences of white collar contractors - also known as Independent Professionals (IPros) - has found that IPros are productive and focused workers who understand what their clients want, don't waste time on distractions and are committed to adhering to agreed work schedules.
The research found about two-thirds of IPros experienced a sense of commitment to their current client while almost 75 per cent believed their employers cared about their opinions and that their employer was available to help them, should they need it. These are among the major findings of the 2012 IPro Index, part of an ongoing research project into the attitudes, issues and trends of white collar contractors conducted by Dr Tui McKeown from the University's Department of Management.
Dr McKeown said the results validated the accuracy of prior years' results as well as demonstrating a consistency in the profile of IPros over time. "While IPros are a diverse group, what is emerging is a clear picture of IPros as enthusiastic, immersed people who are happy at their work," Dr McKeown said.
"They are clearly an organisational asset that should be recognized for the value they offer and the skills they bring Ð organizations who relegate them to being ignored, hidden or forgotten are quite simply missing out." Dr McKeown's research, supported by Entity Solutions, also found that far from being disinterested participants, the vast majority of IPros were committed to their clients' interests and were determined to meet client quality standards and timeframes. IPros felt they were productive contributors to their client organizations and considered themselves trustworthy, professional, efficient and effective in their client dealings.
"For the fourth consecutive year, we found positive increases in attitudes towards the IPro lifestyle, commitment to clients, perceived support from clients and in IPro responses to current business trends," Dr McKeown said. "Consistent with 2011 results, the highest attitudinal score was for wellbeing, which measures engagement in work, entrepreneurship and belief in oneself."