permalancer
n. A temporary worker who is essentially full-time because of repeated contract extensions, but who lacks the benefits of a full-time employee.
Etymology
Examples
2002
First of all, terminology is important. I get really annoyed with the term "freelancer." One definition is "a person who sells servicesto employers without a long-term commitment to any of them." I hate that. Who says you're not committed? Like I'm a Kelly Girl in to do alittle extra typing? Another definition is "medieval mercenary." Ew.

"Permalancer"? It's not even a word
—Neilan Tyree, “Man about town,” ADWEEK Western Edition, March 04, 2002
1997
Temp employees - who sometimes refer to themselves as "permatemps" or "permalancers" because of their long-term contracts with high-tech firms - are not organized or represented by labor unions.
—Keith Ervin, “Software temps gain time to fight OT changes,” The Seattle Times, December 10, 1997
1995 (earliest)
Permalancer
A permanent freelancer. A person hired on a per-project basis who lives a benefits-free existence.
—Gareth Branwyn, “Jargon Watch,” Wired, June 01, 1995
Filed Under