There are several reasons why taking on a temporary job can help you reach your career goals.

In a previous article, we discussed the upside of taking on a temporary job while looking for a permanent position.

The hesitancy to seek out contract work is perfectly understandable, especially when the opportunity cost may mean losing out on a better position, a permanent one or perhaps unemployment benefits. But many states are aware of the realities of temporary employment and take them into consideration when supplying unemployment insurance.

Judi L. Cicatiello, Director, for the MA Division of Unemployment Assistance, tells the Boston Globe that “when an individual files a claim for Unemployment Insurance benefits, the claim is generally good for a one-year period […] Assuming the claim has not expired at the point the temporary job ends, then the claim can be reactivated and the individual can resume receipt of any remaining benefits.”

Furthermore, the benefits of temporary positions are numerous and may outweigh your concerns significantly. Here are a few facts to consider:

Develop new skills: With the nation still recovering from the recession, the job market remains highly competitive and no analysts are predicting that will change any time soon. A temporary position, even in a field that isn’t one you’d typically consider, is a way to make your resume more dynamic along with building your professional network.

According to U.S. News and World Report, since the official end of the recession in June 2009, temporary jobs have made up 19 percent of all new positions created. Janette Marx, senior vice president at Adecco Staffing, a worldwide employment agency, says that some of the reasons that temporary work has become so popular among companies includes the speed of hiring, the flexibility in scaling the size of an organization and the low-risk trial periods for temporary employees being considered for a permanent position.

Additionally, in California, you can also collect unemployment benefits from your temporary jobs, thus effectively extending your benefits. Contact Travel Placement Service today and share your resume to learn about what opportunities are available.