Published on:
16 Jun 2025
3
min read
Image credit: The Straits Times.
I contributed an op-ed to the The Straits Times on the increased prevalence of contract roles as opposed to permanent roles.
And let's get real. If you're looking for full-time employment...
...contract roles kinda suck, amirite?¹
But:
1️⃣ for the employees amongst us who have been offered such roles...
...I suggest a few ways to reframe the situation in a more positive light;²
2️⃣ for the employers amongst us who are offering such roles...
...I suggest some downsides to taking the asymmetry of power for granted and stringing employees along with a series of contract roles; and
3️⃣ for the retirees amongst us who are no longer taking up such roles...
...I ain't got nothing for you this time round. You don't have to read this article if you don't want to.³
--
Article link: ( 🔒 ) https://lnkd.in/gif9YSgX.
[Edit] The piece is now temporarily available sans paywall thanks to good folks at Singapore Law Watch: https://lnkd.in/g9C8Jw2Q.
Many thanks to Mubin Saadat, Audrey Quek, Rahul Pathak, and Lianne Chia, for the opportunity, suggestions, and edits. Many thanks also to Suling Lin for the initial introduction last year!
Disclaimer:
The content of this article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
¹ That being said, such roles may well be a better fit for some of us. For example, I'm sure some folks are very happy taking up a contract legal role for half a year, and windsurfing full-time for the other half of the year. But on the other hand, there will probably an income trade-off, which might make it challenging to service mortgages and feed kids.
² I promise you that it's a bit more concrete than merely telling the reader to "think happy thoughts!"
³ Then again, my father-in-law (if you're reading this, hi dad!) did tell me that he found the article insightful. But he's hardly an independent observer, is he?
