Avoid Teh Pitfalls of Temporary Work
There are undoubtedly downsides to temping but they can all be overcome. The very word temporary can be frightening. After all many people approach agencies in the first place as a stopgap in their lives; something to tide them over until better times.In these circumstances it is hardly surprising that temporary work carries a stigma that is hard to shake off.A sense of impermanence can certainly shadow attitudes but there are ways to turn temping into a fulfilling experience. It is important to remain positive and above all to take control.New temps seeking stability might find the notion of personal control in the workplace an alien concept. Even the best employers are not usually in favor of individual work plans. Normally all control is relinquished after the initial interview; and most job seekers are very cautious when stating their own requirements.Agencies certainly take a commission for placing workers in the right position, but they also pay the going rate for the job. Without their temps they get no commission and rates can often be negotiated. A good agency will not think any worse of you for asking, and as each assignment will be different it is worth setting out the terms every time.Surprisingly one common pitfall facing temps is the temptation to work too much. Again the temporary nature of the work can all too easily trap people into accepting any job on offer. Obviously there is a certain amount of good will attached. Placement supervisors will be grateful for recruits who are willing to fill shifts at the drop of a hat, but do remember there can be a life beyond work.Set a budget and try to stick to it. If one assignment offers lots of extra hours and weekends average this out. It may be possible to work for just a couple of shifts a week on the next assignment.Of course you will not be part of the permanent set up, and being an outsider is often a daunting prospect, but with the ability to choose the time spent at work lifestyle choices should compensate for this.Be firm; if you are working to subsidize a college course never compromise on your study time. Maybe you are retired and just working to run a car. Don't be tempted to go beyond these aims. Good agencies can match all requirements to suitable assignments.Remember, there are pitfalls with every job. Permanence always comes with a cost. With well thought out aims and objectives temporary assignments can offer personal freedom beyond the dreams of most careerists. And keep the wolf from the door at the same time.
There are undoubtedly downsides to temping but they can all be overcome. The very word temporary can be frightening. After all many people approach agencies in the first place as a stopgap in their lives; something to tide them over until better times.
In these circumstances it is hardly surprising that temporary work carries a stigma that is hard to shake off.
A sense of impermanence can certainly shadow attitudes but there are ways to turn temping into a fulfilling experience. It is important to remain positive and above all to take control.
New temps seeking stability might find the notion of personal control in the workplace an alien concept. Even the best employers are not usually in favor of individual work plans. Normally all control is relinquished after the initial interview; and most job seekers are very cautious when stating their own requirements.
Agencies certainly take a commission for placing workers in the right position, but they also pay the going rate for the job. Without their temps they get no commission and rates can often be negotiated. A good agency will not think any worse of you for asking, and as each assignment will be different it is worth setting out the terms every time.
Surprisingly one common pitfall facing temps is the temptation to work too much. Again the temporary nature of the work can all too easily trap people into accepting any job on offer. Obviously there is a certain amount of good will attached. Placement supervisors will be grateful for recruits who are willing to fill shifts at the drop of a hat, but do remember there can be a life beyond work.
Set a budget and try to stick to it. If one assignment offers lots of extra hours and weekends average this out. It may be possible to work for just a couple of shifts a week on the next assignment.
Of course you will not be part of the permanent set up, and being an outsider is often a daunting prospect, but with the ability to choose the time spent at work lifestyle choices should compensate for this.
Be firm; if you are working to subsidize a college course never compromise on your study time. Maybe you are retired and just working to run a car. Don't be tempted to go beyond these aims. Good agencies can match all requirements to suitable assignments.
Remember, there are pitfalls with every job. Permanence always comes with a cost. With well thought out aims and objectives temporary assignments can offer personal freedom beyond the dreams of most careerists. And keep the wolf from the door at the same time.
