Are you tired of the normal, everyday grind? Are you a dedicated senior living healthcare professional but feeling bogged down by the same old schedule?

You might consider converting from an employee to an independent contractor.

There are many situations on a regular basis where temporary help is needed in long term care. Directors of Nursing, Nursing Home Administrators, Personal Care Administrators and Registered Nurse Assessment Coordinators (MDS Coordinators) are all examples of positions that may need to be filled with a contractor while an employee is out on leave or being hired.

There are pros and cons to going out on your own as a contractor.

On the upside:

  • More flexible schedule. You choose your assignments, and sometimes the hours you work. You can say no!
  • More control over your environment, and the type of work you choose.
  • Better work/life balance since you plan your time and schedule.
  • Set your own income rate. Deduct business expenses. You have the capability of having more than one client at a time, which means more income.
  • No company infrastructure to be tangled up in; no performance reviews or required company meetings and events to attend.

On the downside:

  • You have to set up and be responsible for your own taxes. You have to stay on top of your income and expenses and tax schedules.
  • “The buck stops here!” You have no team to work with or fall back on. Sometimes you may need to work longer hours to meet a deadline.
  • There are no medical benefits, paid time off or holidays.
  • You provide your own equipment, license renewals, training and education requirements.
  • You have to keep up with the rules and regs of the industry to make sure you are compliant.
  • You have to promote your own services, find your own work.

If becoming an independent contractor is appealing to you, reach out to your local SBA (Small Business Association) to get additional information, or get started on setting up your own Independent Contractor business.

Sources:
Fact Sheet 13: Employment Relationship under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). (n.d.). DOL. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fact-sheets/13-flsa-employment-relationship
Independent contractor (self-employed) or employee? | Internal Revenue Service. (n.d.). https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/independent-contractor-self-employed-or-employee
Self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare taxes) | Internal Revenue Service. (n.d.). https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxes

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