ALT-1 The Pros and Cons of Temporary Employment
Whether you're trying to gain more experience, want a job that's flexible or just don't know what you want at all, the life of an office temp may have what you're after.
I first started work as an office temp (someone who fills basic positions often in offices for a temporary amount of time) when I moved overseas. I boarded a plane, as so many Australians do every year, with very little money and even less of an idea of what I would do when I arrived at my destination.
One thing I did know was that anything could happen.
It became clear after a few weeks that I needed money and I needed it fast. Of course I had more than enough qualifications to get a job in an area of interest, it's just I wasn't really interested in a career. I wanted spontaneity! I wanted travel! But mostly I wanted money.
This is when a friend suggested office temping. "It pays well and if you don't want to work just don't answer your phone when they call," she told me. "If I want a day off I just tell them and they find another temp to fill in for the day." It was music to my ears.
Of course, temping can be the answer to a number of financial, career and home-based prayers. Temporary office work is a growing industry servicing everyone from travelers to new parents, students on extended holidays to people wanting a career change.
Despite the obvious advantages there are pitfalls to anyone wanting the flexible and supposedly carefree life of an office temp.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR
I've already covered some of positive aspects of temping, but like any job choice, there are certain things you should be aware of before signing on for a project.
The Agency: As I've already mentioned temping is a growing industry with agencies opening up and expanding at an increasing rate. When you are choosing an agency you are essentially choosing your boss. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Contracts: Read thoroughly through any contracts you are asked to sign. Do they have information regarding your pay rate? Holiday pay? Notice of leave? Of course it's important that you sign something when joining a temping agency just make sure you know what!
Pay rate: Temping agencies are subject to the same work-place standards as any regular work environment. That means they need to pay you at or above the award level for the positions you will be working. This WILL vary from job-to-job as temping agencies negotiate pay rates individually for each client but it should never be less than what you're entitled to. I've listed local authorities in various countries at the end of this article to help you establish what you're entitled to.
Work Conditions: A good temping agency will always visit their client's place of work so they know exactly where they are sending their temps. A particularly good agency I have worked for even let you know what the reception area was like. "Lots of natural light and plants!" was always nice to hear. In addition the agency should let you know what the dress code is, what hours you are expected to work (including any breaks) and outline what your duties will be.
If you are on a longer assignment (one or two weeks) a good agency may call several times and perhaps even visit you on the job to make sure everything is going o.k. At the very least they should call you on your first day to see if you have any queries.
A written description of the project is also another good sign. At my current agency I am emailed all the details of all projects including work hours, duration and pay rate.
THE DOWNSIDE
Like any career choice there will be some negative aspects to consider.
Uncertainty: The nature of temping is fleeting. You could be in a job for two to three months while the client tries to fill a permanent position or just one or two days while someone is away ill. I often don't know where, when or how long I will be working for from one week to the next. This is not laziness on my agencies part but simply the nature of the business. If you have a good agency you'll know because they have lots of clients! That's great for you because it means lots of work. But beware that there is a chance that you may have to go one or two days, or even up to a week or two without work.
This is why it's always a good idea to sign up to more than one agency. Saving a little bit of your pay each week while you're in work also doesn't hurt.
Pay: The pay does vary from job to job so while you may be paid a high rate one week, you may also see your pay packet plummet to award wage the next. Also, most temping agencies don't offer sick pay. Some may offer holiday pay; which accrues the same way holiday pay in a regular job does. Check with your agency as they may require you to be in constant work for them for a period of time before you are eligible for holiday pay.
Work-place interaction: If you're in a job for a certain amount of time you get to make friends, work out office dynamics, figure out people's moods and funny habits. As a temp it's rare that you are able to build up an intimate rapport with your work colleagues, although some people may expect miracles! On the upside, if you are in an office with a particularly nasty co-worker, at least you know you wont have to be there for long.
The life of a temporary office worker may not be glamorous but it can be rewarding. I have learnt a number of invaluable skills in my time in various offices. Not simply how to answer the phone but how to fit into work places quickly and how to interact with people with more confidence that I used to. Temping can be a great way to ease yourself back into a workplace if you've been out of it for an extended period of time, or a good way to pick up some extra cash. Just make sure you know your rights and what to expect happy temping!
RESOURCES
UK: www.businesslink.co.ukIreland: www.finfacts.ie/Private/personel/nationalpayagreement.htmAustralia: www.fairpay.gov.au/U.S.A: www.dol.gov/esa/minwage/america.htm
