I’m in Canada and considering leaving a permanent IT support role for a remote, one-year systems administrator contract. The contract pays roughly $95,000 compared with my current $60,000, and the work is close to what I already do. I’m ready to move on, but I’m worried about what happens when the contract ends. How would you weigh the pay and experience against the uncertainty?
Would you leave a permanent IT job for a one-year contract?
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D9~Fiddlestick
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If you’re already looking to leave, this seems like a reasonable risk, provided you plan for the contract to end on schedule. The higher salary and stronger systems administrator title could help with your next search, but neither guarantees a permanent job afterward.
I’d check the contract’s termination terms, benefits, vacation, and whether the quoted pay is salary or an hourly rate with unpaid gaps. Then set a savings target and start keeping an eye on permanent roles well before the final few months.
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The difference in pay gives you a chance to build a real runway. I’d work out your essential monthly expenses, save a fixed portion of every paycheque, and avoid letting the raise turn into permanent lifestyle spending.
Just treat any possibility of the contract becoming permanent as a bonus, not part of the plan. A leave-cover role may end when the person returns, and the employer may not have another opening.
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I’d look closely at the actual duties, not just the title. If the new role gives you broader infrastructure or cloud ownership, that can make the move worthwhile even if you need to search again after a year. If it’s essentially the same work with a nicer title, the career upside is less clear.
Also ask how much notice they expect if you leave early, and whether the agreement lets you take another job if a permanent opportunity comes up. Get the terms in writing before resigning.
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There’s no guaranteed safe option here. Permanent employment can still end, while a fixed-term contract has a known end date. I’d compare the contract’s pay and experience with the stability and benefits you have now, then decide whether the extra money compensates you for taking on more uncertainty.
If you have dependants, debt, or very little savings, that could change the calculation. If you can save aggressively and keep applying before the contract ends, the risk may be more manageable.
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D9~Fiddlestick:
Good point about checking the full compensation details. I’m also going to ask about whether there’s any chance the role could continue, without counting on it.