Temporary vs Permanent Roles: Which One is Right for Your Career?
- Michelle Denny
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
Updated: May 3
In last week's blog, we explored the signs that might indicate it’s time to consider a career change, feeling stagnant, lacking direction, or simply seeking a fresh challenge.
If you’ve already made that decision and are ready to explore your next opportunity, the next question is whether to pursue a temporary, fixed-term, or permanent role.
While temporary roles may seem like a quick and flexible solution, they don’t always offer the long-term benefits that permanent positions do. As a recruitment consultancy that specialises in permanent and fixed-term office-based roles, Michelle Denny Recruitment Consultancy (MDR Consultancy) works closely with candidates to align their aspirations with positions that provide a path to career progression and personal growth.
Let’s take a closer look at what each option really entails, and why making the right choice is key to achieving long-term success in your career.

The Appeal of Temporary Roles: Flexibility vs. Long-Term Growth
Temporary roles can seem like a good option for candidates who need flexibility, or those looking for short-term work.
They can provide an immediate solution for businesses with a gap in staffing, and for candidates, they might offer a way to earn income quickly or gain experience in a specific area.
However, temporary positions often come with limitations. While they offer quick fixes, temp roles usually lack long-term job security, career progression, and opportunities for advancement.
In office-based environments, temporary work can leave you feeling disconnected from the team, and the lack of continuity means you miss out on the professional development opportunities that come with being a permanent employee.
For candidates who want to make a meaningful contribution to an organisation, temporary roles often fail to provide the career trajectory that a permanent position can offer. While they provide flexibility, they can also lead to a feeling of stagnation, as you move from one short-term contract to the next without gaining the depth of experience that a permanent position can provide.
Fixed-Term Contracts: A Middle Ground for Flexibility and Stability
If temporary roles don’t appeal to you, fixed-term contracts might offer a better balance between flexibility and stability.
These roles typically last anywhere from 6 to 12 months and are often used by organisations for specific projects, maternity cover, or to manage a temporary increase in demand.
For candidates, fixed-term contracts offer greater stability than temp roles, while still providing some flexibility. These positions allow you to be part of a team, contribute to key projects, and integrate more fully into the company culture, while knowing that the role is still time-limited. Fixed-term contracts can sometimes lead to permanent offers, especially if both you and the company are a good fit for each other.
However, the main downside to fixed-term roles is that they still come with a set end date. While they offer more stability than temp work, they don't provide the same level of job security as a permanent role, which could leave you looking for another opportunity when the contract ends.
The Case for Permanent Roles:
Security, Growth, and Long-Term Success
When you’re looking at your career from a long-term perspective, permanent roles provide the best foundation for success.
They offer job security, a stable income, and opportunities for advancement. Permanent positions allow you to build long-term relationships with colleagues, contribute meaningfully to the company’s goals, and participate in professional development programmes designed to enhance your skills and career trajectory.
Unlike temporary or fixed-term roles, permanent positions provide the job security and benefits that are essential for building a sustainable career. Paid holidays, pensions, sick leave, and health insurance are just some of the benefits that come with permanent employment, all of which can help you maintain a healthy work-life balance and focus on your long-term goals.
In addition, permanent roles typically offer the greatest opportunities for career progression. Whether you're looking to move up the corporate ladder, specialise in a specific area of your field, or eventually take on leadership responsibilities, permanent positions give you the stability you need to focus on your personal and professional growth.
Choosing the Right Career Path for You
When deciding between temporary, fixed-term, or permanent roles, consider your career goals, lifestyle, and the type of work environment you thrive in.
If you want job security, opportunities for growth, and the chance to make a lasting impact within an organisation, a permanent role is the best option.
While temp and fixed-term roles may provide short-term solutions, they don't offer the same level of stability, career development, or long-term satisfaction as permanent roles.
At MDR Consultancy, we specialise in helping candidates like you find permanent office-based roles that align with your skills and career aspirations. Our team takes the time to understand your professional goals and works with you to find the best-fit opportunities in organisations that support long-term growth.
If you're unsure what your next move should be, we’re here to help. Let’s schedule a confidential conversation to discuss your career options, and we’ll guide you towards the right next step.
Get in touch with us today to explore your options and take the next step in your career with confidence.





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