I recently got hired full-time as a web developer for a company, and I've been working on a project that's about 80% complete with another developer who has been around for a while. My main concern is whether the company will let me go once this project wraps up. I reassured myself by thinking they wouldn't hire me for a full-time position just for a temporary project; they'd likely go with a contractor instead. However, even though my manager mentioned they have long-term plans for me, I still feel anxious. Am I being paranoid?
4 Answers
I’ve worked both contract and full-time, and it’s rare for someone to be hired full-time just for a limited project. Generally, companies use contractors for short-term needs due to lower overhead costs. It wouldn’t make sense to hire you full-time if they plan to let you go afterward.
Are you technically a contractor or an employee? I’m in a similar situation where I was brought on for a specific project. They were upfront about the possibility of an extension. I stressed over it at first but decided to give it my all—worst case, I get valuable experience for my resume, and best case, they hire me full-time!
I’m definitely a full-time employee, no contracts involved. I'm enrolled in their health plan and 401k.
Given how the economy is right now, it’s crucial to focus on side projects to secure your future. Use what you've learned in this job to look for more opportunities down the line.
It's important to remember that projects need maintenance after launch. Job security can be pretty shaky, whether you're on a temporary project or a long-term one. I’ve seen that your chances of getting laid off are largely similar regardless of the project type.
Totally agree. Job security feels non-existent these days. I was laid off unexpectedly earlier this year, so I get the stress.
So true!