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From Independent Contractor to Full-Time Employee: How Working Solutions Creates Flexible Opportunities for Career Growth
When people think about becoming an independent contractor, flexibility is often one of the biggest draws. The ability to be your own boss, work around personal commitments, and choose when and how you work can make contracting an attractive option. But contracting can also come with challenges. Unlike traditional employment, contractors may not always have guaranteed hours, consistent workloads, or a clear path for advancement. Contract opportunities can also change based on client needs, making long-term stability and career growth important considerations for many freelance professionals.
Independent Contract vs. Employee
What’s the Difference?
For many Working Solutions “PROs” (independent contractors), their journey began with the flexibility they needed at a specific point in their lives. But for some, that opportunity became the first step toward something more: a long-term career. Over the years, several PROs have transitioned into full-time employee corporate roles, bringing with them firsthand experience, valuable skills, and a unique understanding of the people they now support.
Their journey may have started as a simple side-gig, but it became the foundation for professional growth, new skills, and a fulfilling long-term career.
Building Remote Careers Through First-Hand Experience
Working Solutions PRO and employee Angie
One of the advantages of hiring employees who previously worked as PROs within the company is the perspective they bring to their roles.
They understand what it feels like to log in for their first day, learn a new client program, navigate new technology, and find confidence as a remote worker. That experience allows them to better support other PROs because they have been in their shoes.
For one employee, Angie, her experience as a contractor shaped her passion for helping others discover the same opportunity she found.
Angie first joined Working Solutions in 2005 when she was looking for a flexible way to earn extra income while raising two young children.
“I loved the flexibility to work when my kids were napping or on weekend mornings, when my husband was home,” Angie shared. “I felt very fortunate to have found a place where I created my own schedule each week.”
What started as a flexible remote contractor quickly became something much bigger.
“My experience with taking a leap of faith and trying Working Solutions was such a positive one, that I wanted to share my passion for this company with everyone,” Angie said.
Her experience as a PRO continues to influence her work today. Because she remembers the uncertainty that comes with starting something new, she can connect with applicants and help ease their concerns.
“I can better relate to how they are feeling because I have been in their shoes,” she explained.
THE SKILLS YOU GAIN AS AN AGENT CAN OPEN NEW DOORS TO EMPLOYMENT
Working Solutions PRO and employee Sara
Working as a remote customer service contractor requires many skills that translate into other career opportunities:
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Organization
- Discipline to work independently
For Sara, her experience as a PRO became the foundation for her career at Working Solutions.
Sara discovered Working Solutions in 2008 through contractor websites and was immediately drawn to the company’s reputation and culture.
“I appreciated being able to supplement my income while having the flexibility to work around my personal life,” Sarah said.
After originally pursuing a career in education, Sara discovered an opportunity to combine her background with her customer service experience. She eventually transitioned into an education specialist role before moving into a full-time position as an Education & Engagement Manager.
Her time as a PRO gave her valuable insight into what contractors experience every day.
“I was able to connect with PROs and truly understood their feelings, nerves, and what it takes to be successful,” Sara shared.
That understanding continues to help her support others as they begin their own journeys.
Sara’s advice for new PROs is simple: embrace opportunities to learn and grow.
“If you commit to being a reliable PRO, consistently meet education expectations, work hard to support client needs, maintain a coachable attitude, and embrace opportunities to learn and grow within our culture, there is absolutely room for you to advance with Working Solutions.”
5 Tips to Be a Successful Independent Contractor
Why Flexible Remote Work Can Lead to Career Growth
Working Solutions PRO and employee Gina
For many people, flexibility is what makes remote work appealing. It allows them to balance family, travel, education, or other responsibilities while still building valuable professional experience.
That was true for Gina.
Gina began working with Working Solutions in 2018 after looking for a new career path that would allow her to work from home and supplement her income.
“I was looking for a new path and really wanted to work from home,” Gina explained. “One of the other contractors from another company told me about Working Solutions, and the rest is history.”
As a PRO, Gina’s favorite part of contracting was the ability to travel while continuing to work. With adult children living in different states, she valued being able to visit family without having to choose between taking time off and earning income.
“I liked that I didn’t have to choose between taking time off or working to go for a visit.”
Eventually, Gina decided she was ready for a new challenge. She transitioned into a full-time employee role as an Onboarding Coordinator on the Virtual Talent team.
Her contractor experience gave her an immediate advantage.
“One skill I brought into my position when I moved over was my knowledge of Vyne. I was able to jump right into helping new PROs navigate around this internal system and give them the confidence needed to succeed as a contractor.”
While moving from an independent contractor schedule into a traditional employee schedule required adjustment, Gina embraced the change and continued building her career.
Her advice for new PROs is to take advantage of every resource available.
“Read everything you receive from the task list, calendar, and documents sent, as that will give you most of the knowledge you need to have a smooth start,” she said. “Join every live meeting you can, even if you think you do not have any questions.”
Growing Your Career While Supporting Others
Working Solutions PRO and employee Jaimee
For Jaimee, becoming a Working Solutions PRO was an opportunity to build experience while balancing life changes.
Jaimee started contracting with Working Solutions in 2013 while attending college and looking to strengthen her resume after spending time at home with her son. With her husband in the military, the flexibility of remote work was an important factor.
“I knew Working Solutions offered the right flexibility I desperately needed,” Jaimee shared.
As a PRO, Jaimee gained firsthand knowledge of the challenges and successes contractors experience. When she later transitioned into her current role as Program Manager, that perspective became one of her greatest strengths.
“Understanding PROs’ struggles, seeing QA, performance, and scheduling from their point of view” has helped shape the way she approaches her role.
She also recognized that one of the biggest adjustments was balancing empathy for PRO experiences with the needs of clients.
That ability to see different perspectives has helped Jaimee become a stronger leader.
Her advice for PROs interested in long-term growth?
“You get what you put into it. If you are looking for this to be long term, driving your career goals, there are options to make that happen and ways to contribute even more through being a resource or a QAC and looking at internal options.”
Company Culture Built Around Growth and Support for Contractors and Employees
While each of these career journeys looks different, they all share a common theme: Working Solutions provides opportunities for people who are willing to learn, grow, and take initiative.
From supporting new PROs to managing programs and developing education resources, former contractors bring a valuable perspective to their employee roles.
They understand the challenges because they have experienced them. They celebrate the successes because they have achieved them. And they help create the supportive environment that attracted them to Working Solutions in the first place.
When asked how they would describe the culture at Working Solutions, each employee highlighted similar themes: teamwork, support, collaboration, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.
Angie described it as “one great big, beautiful extended family.”
Sara called it a “one-team environment, where support and growth go hand in hand.”
Gina highlighted the company’s caring and innovative atmosphere, while Jaimee emphasized the collaborative nature of the organization.
Together, their stories demonstrate that a remote customer service job can be the first step toward something more.
See What Makes Us Difference
Your Remote Independent Contractor Journey Starts at Working Solutions
Every career path looks different. Some people join Working Solutions looking for a side-gig to earn some extra income. Others are looking for a way to gain experience, develop new skills, or find a long-term opportunity.
For Angie, Sara, Gina, and Jaimee, becoming a PRO was the beginning of a journey that led to new opportunities and fulfilling careers.
Whether you are looking for remote customer service work, a flexible income opportunity, or a place where you can continue growing, the opportunity you start today could become the foundation for the career you build tomorrow.
Take the First Step!
Published on August 11, 2026
