By Charlotte Langdon
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June 10, 2025
Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads, weighing the appeal of an exciting, new temporary opportunity against the stability and long-term growth promised by a permanent role? It’s a common dilemma, and finding the perfect balance between stability and diverse experience can feel like a continuous challenge. The traditional career path is evolving, and the private household sector is no exception. Employers often seek candidates who possess the dynamic adaptability gained from temporary work, alongside the loyalty and longevity that comes from sustained commitment. In this blog, we'll delve into why this balance matters, exploring the unique benefits and challenges of both temporary and long-term roles, and how you can strategically navigate your career to achieve both. The Benefits of Temping Temporary employment can unlock a wealth of opportunities and often serve as an excellent entry point into the industry. These positions often provide higher compensation, given the inherent compromise on long-term stability. Beyond financial benefits, the exposure to multiple families or principals over a period of time can become an incredible opportunity for both personal growth and professional networking. Operating in diverse environments allows you to develop remarkable flexibility and agility that will significantly enhance your CV and appeal to future employers. Embracing short-term roles can also give you more flexibility in your personal life and greater control over your work-life balance. This can be incredibly appealing, compared to the demanding hours and limited time off often associated with permanent contracts. It's worth noting that this flexibility isn't always just a benefit for the candidate; it's often a strategic choice for the employer as well. Many households recruit on a temporary basis with the intention of offering a permanent contract once the initial term concludes. This allows the principal to ensure their needs are truly met and that the temporary staff member integrates into the household's unique requirements. Given these possibilities, it could be beneficial not to disregard temporary opportunities, even if your career goal is to build longevity on your CV. The Value of Longevity Despite the clear appeal of short-term roles, clients often value stability and loyalty deeply. Given the significant time and financial investment involved in recruitment, proven longevity is often highly sought-after when reviewing CVs. Permanent contracts offer considerable scope for career progression and increased responsibility within a single role. Beyond that, the chance to develop a profound understanding of a specific household's unique preferences can become incredibly desirable for your next career move. There are also various financial benefits to developing trust and loyalty with one principal. Bonus structures and pay increases are often popular once probation periods have been completed, and there are often opportunities to develop and train alongside their other staff and household members. Every private household will operate with its own distinct routines and the ability to seamlessly integrate with these is highly beneficial. Principals and Heads of Department (HODs) often seek candidates' longer term commitment because it leads to the knowledge of unspoken routines, consistent service styles, and reduced training burdens. The Challenges While temporary contracts offer the flexibility many professionals seek, this lifestyle inevitably comes with its own set of compromises. Constantly moving from one household to another means facing different on-boarding processes and unique family dynamics with every new adventure. Additionally, it can make it more challenging to create deep connections with colleagues and principals. If navigating between temporary roles introduces uncertainty, does a long-term commitment offer a completely flawless career path? Not necessarily. Even the most stable roles can present their own challenges. Committing to a full-time, permanent position can sometimes lead to the risk of stagnation, potentially limiting professional opportunities outside of your current role. As mentioned, the traditional career path is ever-changing, with new opportunities constantly emerging. At EHC , we believe that finding a strategic balance between loyalty, longevity and adaptability is crucial for elevating your career within the private household industry. It's not about choosing one path over the other, but rather about creating a successful combination of both. This might involve strategically blending temporary and permanent roles throughout your career, or it could mean demonstrating adaptability within a long-term role - for example, if your principal frequently changes locations or lifestyle. Finding the Balance So, how do you find that sweet spot to create the most effective career strategy? It really comes down to personal preference and which work environment suits you best. At EHC , we encourage all candidates to explore both career paths with intention. It's crucial to first understand what you aim to gain from working within the industry, and then to make choices that align with your goals. Naturally, the right path for you may also shift over time as you progress through various roles, gain experience, and as your personal priorities evolve. Cultivating a relationship with a recruiter you trust, one who truly understands your individual career aspirations, is key. If you are looking for the ideal role to elevate your career, we invite you to connect with us at info@ehc-ltd.com . Our team of professionals are ready to provide expert guidance and dedicated support throughout your land-based journey.