Mike wrote regarding '[OT] Recruiters and contract-to-hire agencies' on Thu, Dec 29 at 13:08:
> I'm in the job hunt, and I'm wondering if anyone
> has any feelings about recruiters/contract-to-hire
> type work.

I'm currently in a contract position, after working as an atual
employee at a couple of previous jobs.  While the contract position
does have its upsides (paid hourly, can't work more than 40
hours/week) it also has downsides (paid hourly, can't work more than
40 hour/week).  The main things I dislike about the contract position
are the lack of benefits (health insurance is expensive), the lack of
vacation days (sometimes it's nice to be able to take a Friday off - I
didn't get paid for holidays until I was here for several months - but
I couldn't work either), and the way I can't actually talk to my
employer about things like taking time off, etc.  Other contracting
firms provide benefits packages - either employee-paid or company-paid
- and some provide vacation pay.  Honestly, I dislike being in a
position that's quite temporary and has no chance of a raise without
getting a new job.  It was available when my previous employer ran out
of money, though, and it pays well enough for me to deal with the
problems for a short time. :)

The contract's up in a few months, and I'm looking for a permanent
position.  I'll take a contract-to-hire if that's all that I find, but
honestly this particular experience has left an unpleasent taste in my
mouth - but that's *just* the contracting part.  I actually like the
job itself.  I think I'd like it a little better if it was one that I
could continue doing for beyond the end of the non-renewable contract.

So, from talking to friends who do contract work, it can work out well
- just make sure you ask questions about the terms, benefits, etc.
Like any other job, I suppose.  Make sure you find out about how the
thing terminates - if you can leave before the end without having some
kind of non-compete or similar to deal with, etc.

--Danny
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