If you’re midway through a career in management, then you might be tempted by the idea of making a switch to interim management. Interim managers are highly-experienced and skilled professionals who are asked to provide cover in the short term, while a company searches for a long-term replacement.
The type of career you pursue will depend on your personal circumstances and personality – for many, getting in touch with interim recruitment agencies might be a sensible career move.
But exactly why might you decide to make a move of this kind? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons.
Benefits of being an Interim Manager
The first thing to note is that interim managers tend to make more than their fixed-position equivalents. This is, however, only the case when you’re able to find work consistently. The more impressive your track record, the better you’ll fare.
Interim management also tends to provide more variety. You’ll be asked to travel from place to place, and to meet new people and to experience different working environments. This means that soft skills like adaptability and conversation play a much more important role. If you feel that you’re stuck in a rut, then the novelty inherent in interim management is likely to appeal.
Interim managers also benefit from the advantages inherent in freelancing. You’ll have the independence that comes with choosing the jobs you take on and the hours that you work. Provided that you achieve the results that you’re brought in to achieve, you’ll find that you’re granted considerable leeway.
Interim managers find themselves apart from the rest of the workforce. Since they’re only going to be around for awhile, they can more easily separate themselves from the tumult of office politics.
Finally, it’s worth noting that everyone appreciates the work done by an interim manager. Much like locksmiths and emergency plumbers, interim managers are brought in during challenging times, and they can provide a remedy for instability. Your contributions are more likely to be appreciated, since they’ll come immediately after hard times.
Why be a manager full-time?
The interim lifestyle isn’t for everyone. You’ll feel less like a permanent fixture in the workplace, and you won’t have the satisfaction that comes from seeing your long-term goals coming to fruition. You also won’t be able to develop long-term social relationships in the workplace.
Interim managers also have to travel far to acquire work, especially if they’re early on in their careers and have yet to build up demand for their services. You might therefore find yourself working away from your family and friends.
Fixed managers also have the luxury of job security, which makes it easier to plan for the future. They might also enjoy fringe benefits and perks which interim managers aren’t interested in.
