5 Things To Consider When Determining Which eLearning Employment Type Is Right For You
In recent years there’s been talk of the gig economy and how millennials abhor 9 to 5 jobs. They are said to prefer flexi-time and telecommuting. However, even if they’re working from home, eLearning pros still have bills to pay. Their employment terms directly influence their ability to do so. Some of them prefer to work part-time and bill per hour. Others would rather have a permanent contract, complete with medical benefits. Your employment options depend on industry experience, location, and personal choices. As a professional in the eLearning field, what kind of terms should you pursue? Which eLearning employment type is best for your goals and lifestyle? Here are 5 top tips to help you choose the best eLearning employment type for your needs.
1. Maximize Your Job Title
Few people outside eLearning industry know the difference between an Instructional Designer and a Learning Strategist. Truth is, not many people within the eLearning industry know the difference either. Job titles were initially broad and vague to encompass a variety of eLearning skills. This was helpful for recruiters, since they could pool vast ranges of talent within a single position. For eLearning professionals, it could go either way. They might get paid well for a colossal scope of work. They could just as easily end up overworked because their task list is so wide. As you decide on full-time, part-time, or freelance employment, consider your job description. Get a detailed break-down of exactly what you’re expected to do. Use this list to figure out the best contractual system to get your work done.
2. Consultancies Vs. Permanent Positions
While some eLearning job titles are vague, others are fairly self-explanatory. eLearning consultants, by their very nature, are typically not permanent employees. They are usually hired on a project basis, and can bill per hour, per day, per month, or per project. Their role is largely strategic, and sometimes supervisory, so a periodic contract works best for them. Permanent positions, such as in-house eLearning developers, are the professionals that do most of the hands-on work. Depending on the type of eLearning developers they are, they might code the eLearning course or come up with the curriculum. Some eLearning developers even work in advisory capacities, just like consultants, while programming developers are required throughout the process, and graphic designers are frequently called in for layout issues. Thus, they can ask for freelance retainers. Before you start applying for eLearning jobs, decide whether you want a permanent position or a temporary consultancy.
3. Contracts For eLearning Project Managers
eLearning Project Management is an umbrella term. These team leaders ensure a smooth progress of eLearning development from the beginning to end. The position is largely administrative. Most eLearning companies would prefer a permanent, full-time eLearning Project Manager rather than a floating consultant. This way, they become familiar with eLearning course material, eLearning strategy, and individual team members. On the other hand, Instructional Designers can develop eLearning courses for various unrelated brands. This increases individual terms for the Instructional Designer. They should just be sure their contracts don’t include non-compete clauses. This is key because the Instructional Designer will probably accumulate expertise in a particular industry. A non-compete clause can significantly limit their opportunities, especially if they plan on working multiple eLearning projects simultaneously.
4. Consider The Tax Implications
If you’re a full-time eLearning professional, your company generally handles your fees and levies. All you have to do is file what they’ve already paid. But if you’re working part-time, or if you’ve been hired for a particular eLearning project, the approach is different. Project-based consultants usually get a higher fee than permanent employees. However, that dollar figure can be deceptive. It needs to cover individual or corporate taxes, as well as insurance. If the eLearning consultants come as a team, the money needs to pay individual team members as well. As the head consultant, you’ll be responsible for paying your eLearning team in between eLearning projects. You’ll have to do this whether you have active eLearning projects or not. So if you’d rather not be the boss, take on permanent employment and let someone else worry about corporate domestics.
5. Family Matters
Although most eLearning positions can be filled remotely, there are certain on-site positions. Young, flexible eLearning professionals can afford to be hired on a project basis. It may be easier and more fun for them to go from city to city finding eLearning projects. Team members who are more settled and are raising families would be better of picking a single eLearning company. As such, they may choose to take on permanent employment that involves a more settled lifestyle. Another option for eLearning professionals with families is to pick a busy region and lay some roots. They can then freelance for multiple eLearning companies within that radius. Contractual eLearning projects are riskier when you have mouths to feed and school districts to dance around.
One of the perks of being an eLearning professional is that there are so many eLearning employment types to choose from. You could focus on eLearning projects, get a freelance retainer, or opt for a more permanent position in a Fortune 500 company. Making this decision isn’t a simple matter of dollars and cents. A lot of other factors come into play when choosing the right eLearning employment type. Consider available options for your job title. eLearning consultants, developers, and Project Managers all have different scopes and opportunities. Think about the taxes involved, and whether or not you want to run an eLearning team. Find the option that works best for your family situation. Ultimately, you’ll need to weigh your financial requirements, social benefits, and overall peace of mind. Then, pick the eLearning employment type that works best for you.
Are you on the hunt for the perfect eLearning job position? Search our free directory of eLearning job openings to find the ideal eLearning career for your experience level of expertise. You have the ability to filter results based on function, industry, and location, as well as employment type and academic degree.
Are you considering transitioning your current eLearning freelancing into something a bit more permanent? Read the article 6 Tips To Switch From Part-Time Freelancing To A Full-Time eLearning Career to discover 6 tips to make the switch and start a successful full-time eLearning career.
