For today’s professionals, the unpredictability of an unforeseen major life event or a job loss are just two of many scenarios that could lead you to reassess your career goals. In these moments, too often job seekers fail to consider the wide scope of employment opportunities that can help them get back on track. While full-time employment can be a great option for many professionals, temporary assignments and part-time roles can provide a number of benefits towards career growth.

Whether you are a recent graduate trying to figure out your first move, or a seasoned professional at a crossroads in your career, consider the following 5 reasons to pursue temporary/part-time roles:

1. Break the cycle of unemployment

Spending countless hours scouring job boards, crafting cover letters/resumes, and interviewing with prospective employers to no avail can be discouraging. If you’ve undergone months of unsuccessful job hunting, this will undoubtedly start to weigh you down mentally, causing you to put unnecessary pressure on yourself to land a job quickly. Taking on a temporary or part-time role while you work towards your long-term goals can bring a sense of purpose to your daily routine. For example, simply waking up in the morning and going through the motions of a structured day can help you remain persistent. The longer you are unemployed, the more it may feel as if you’ve fallen short, but, these types of roles can instill a new sense of hope into your career outlook.

2. Determine your professional interests

Many of us grow up believing that a ‘dream job’ is out there for us and it will just be a matter of time until we find an employer that meets all of our needs. While a dream job is a great aspiration, temporary/part-time roles allow you to objectively determine if what you’re doing is the right fit for you. For example, the exposure you gain to different types of employers may help you learn which management style you prefer or the type of company culture that best fits your personality. Whether you are a recent grad trying to get your foot in the door with a particular employer or a seasoned professional looking to dabble into a new field, temporary/part-time roles present you with a great opportunity to make the most informed decision about your long-term career goals.

3. Learn new skills

As a full-time employee, it can be difficult to learn new skills or improve aspects of your career if your employer doesn’t provide opportunities for professional development. For some professionals, that can even be enough to make them want to leave that company. If you have found yourself in this situation, temporary/part-time roles can give you the flexible scheduling you need in order to pursue other interests or learn new skills. For example, participating in webinars, online classes, or focusing on a new skill are just a few options that become more feasible once you have more time to devote to these tasks.

4. Build your professional network & resume

One of the biggest benefits of temporary work is that it allows you to expand your network through the assignments you do. Almost every new assignment enables you to connect with professionals you otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet. Similarly, part-time roles allow you to plan networking events that align with your professional interests around your own schedule. Additionally, you can build an appealing resume if you’ve worked on diverse projects with well-regarded companies, which will speak to your adaptability and professional strengths. Aside from building your network and resume, you can also build an arsenal of strong references.

5. Transition into a full-time position

While most temporary assignments have a set period of how long you will work with that employer, a company’s needs can change over time. What once started as a temporary/part-time position could evolve to a longer-term role based on your performance. Regardless of whether or not these roles result in a full-time position, a strong performance will keep you at the top of a hiring manager’s mind when they are looking to hire.