Let’s get this out of the way first:

I’ve worked with contractors at Meta, Shopify, BetterUp, and multiple startups.

And not once did I think of them as “less than.”

Not once.

The truth? Some of the best people I ever worked with were contractors. They were thoughtful, accountable, and quietly getting sh*t done behind the scenes—often with less support and more ambiguity than anyone else.

Meanwhile, they’d be worrying about how they were perceived:

“Will they take me seriously?”

“Am I even part of the team?”

But from my side as a full-timer, here’s what mattered: Are you making things happen? Are you solving real problems? Are you good to work with?

That’s it.

And later in my career, when I stepped into fractional and contract roles myself, I realized I loved it.

I got to deliver key results, avoid politics, and walk away when something didn’t fit.

One month. Three months. Six months. Clear goals. Clean exits.

So if you’re starting a contract role—or trying to make one work for you—here’s what I’d want you to know.

1️⃣ Reframe How You Think About Contract Work

Contract roles aren’t “less than.” They’re just structured differently.

• You often get more autonomy and less bureaucracy
• You learn how to make an impact quickly
• You get to decide—not hope—whether you want to stay

The most seasoned people in tech love contracts for a reason. You’re not tied down to one company or identity. You become someone who knows how to land, assess, contribute, and move.

And most importantly?

No one needs to know you’re a contractor—unless you choose to tell them.

Act like you belong. Because you do.

2️⃣ Pretend You’re Full-Time—Until You Decide Otherwise

This is one of the best mindset shifts you can make:

“Just pretend you’re full-time. Like you’re staying here forever. Like this is yours to own.”

Why?

Because it helps you show up fully. You stop overthinking, stop hesitating, and just start doing your best work.

And ironically?

That’s what makes you stand out. That’s what gets you extended. That’s what gets you offered a full-time role—if that’s what you want.

3️⃣ Around Month 6–8, Start Planning Your Options

Here’s your window.

By month six:

• Start gathering documentation of your impact
• Set up conversations with your manager to understand what’s ahead
• Reflect on what you want next—stay, go, shift roles, or renegotiate

Just don’t wait until the contract’s almost over to start thinking about it.

Even the best work can get missed if it’s not packaged, shared, or timed well.

4️⃣ Focus on What You Can Control

You don’t control how long the contract lasts.

You don’t control reorgs, budgets, or hiring freezes.

What you can control is how you show up:

• Mentally: Don’t spiral about the future
• Emotionally: Don’t tie your worth to the outcome
• Strategically: Do great work and build real relationships

“Pretend this isn’t a deadline. Pretend you’re full-time. And just do the best work you can do—day by day.”

5️⃣ Take a Month to Read the Room Before You React

Don’t jump into solving problems or challenging systems on Day 3.

Instead:

• Understand the culture
• Learn the org map
• Watch who has influence, who’s checked out, and who collaborates

Give yourself a month to get the lay of the land before you sprint.

That insight will save you time, stress, and missteps later on.

“Treat tech like a game. Nothing’s that serious. Be your brilliant self, do the work—and let weird dynamics slide off your shoulder.”

6️⃣ Build a System That Sets You Up for Success

From day one, create your own rhythm for:

✅ Documenting your work

✅ Setting clear goals

✅ Tracking who you collaborate with

✅ Structuring your 1:1s

This isn’t about micromanaging yourself—it’s about creating a foundation you can rely on.

One that helps you stay grounded and confident, even when things around you change.

“You’re not here to impress. You’re here to grow, contribute, and decide what’s next—on your terms.”

Final Words

Contract roles are not second-tier jobs.

They’re opportunities to lead, learn, and live with more freedom.

You don’t have to apologize for being a contractor.

You don’t have to wait for someone to validate your work.

You don’t have to prove you belong—you already do.

So treat this like a meaningful season.

Show up like you chose this—because you did.

And remember: Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is choose not to stay.