Any experience temping?

[lindrusso]

As some of you know, I work part time at my sons' elementary school as an office aide. The secretary there is leaving, so I applied for her position which would have put me in a fulltime position. Bottom line is, I didn't get the job.

Not to go into too many boring details, but I'm disappointed. Now I will admit that it's partly a matter of a bruised ego (the prinicpal asked me to apply and then ultimately rejected me), but I also realized that I had been happier at work lately with the thought of a more challenging position. In any case, I think I'm ready for something more. While in some ways it's nice to have a job where I don't shoulder much of the responsibility, I also realize that's part of what makes it boring too. Also, more money would be very nice.

Anyway the thought of temping (my MIL used to do this when my husband was young) has crossed my mind. It could possibly bring in more money, more challenges and I could pick and choose when I do or do not want to work. Or so I think....

I would like to hear if anyone else out there has had experience temping - what are the pros and cons? Any advice?

I plan to meet with an agency or two and ask for information, but I'd like to hear from someone who has actually done it. I figure the agency will paint a positive picture and I'd like to hear that bad parts too. :)

Also, any ideas for other things I could do while still maintaining flexibility with my boys' schedules would be welcome. That's the real reason I've kept with this job - there aren't too many jobs out there where I can have holidays, vacations and the summer off with my kids!

Thank goodness there are only 2 more days of school left. I don't think I could take weeks of parents asking me if I got the job or not - many of them said they were rooting for me (and staff as well). I actually didn't feel terribly disappointed until I had to see others' reactions. Go figure.

Alysha :)

[AndreaU]

I did a temp gig about 10 years ago when I first moved to this area. I registered/interviewed with 2 or 3 agencies and one (Manpower) called me back fairly quickly with an offer of customer service/insurance claim support. It wasn't in my field, but it was work and the pay was decent. I was hired with about a dozen others and we received a few weeks of paid training and then we were on the phones! It wasn't a substitute situation, though; it was full-time (40 hour weeks) but temporary (about 6 months).

I had no complaints with the agency itself. When at the insurance company doing the work, of course there were things here and there that annoyed me (what workplace doesn't to some degree??). I had a great schedule, I was paid when I was supposed to be paid and at the time, that's what I wanted/needed!

[Gilgamesh37]

I've done the temp thing at several different points in my life. In the right situation, I think it's perfect. How mcuh you can dictate your schedule of course depends on the demand in your geographic area and your areas of expertise. If a placement is truly terrible, you can quit it with a lot less guilt (I never did, but there was at least one I really should have). If you wind up someplace where you really click, sometimes they'll work with you to develop a permanent position for you.

The big downside is no real opportunity for advancement, no real opportunity for salary increase, and no benefits---that last one is the real killer. And of course, no real job security.

When you talk to the temp agencies, really press them on whether they think they will have work available that fits with your particular hours (I'm guessing you want to try to be home by 3:30 or so when your boys get home). On the ohter hand, you risk nothing by talking to them & registering and seeing if they can find you postings that work for you.

[Grace]

I used to temp all the time. Granted though, that was many years ago. I actually liked it. Most jobs are so boring, the interesting part to me is meeting a bunch of new people and learning a new (albeit easy/boring) system all the time.

The downside was people assumed you were dumb (I think a lot of temps must be because they were always AMAZED that a smart person actually showed up this time? :rolleyes: ) But it was hard to get them to realize I have a brain. One person actually tried to teach me how to DIAL THE PHONE! Yep. Really.

Also, you sometimes get ignored. People don't necessarily make a big attempt at greeting you, meeting you, getting to know you. They figure you're only there a short time, so why bother. I spent many days in the lunch room at a crowded table where no one talked to me. Fortunately for me, I'm extremely gregarious and outgoing, so I was pretty good at striking up conversations myself. But if you're not too outgoing, it can be hard on the ego to be ignored.

The other negative can be (and this wasn't always true) is the bosses aren't always so nice. They figure you're a dumb temp and they can be bossy and demanding. They also tend to give you all the garbage that's been piling up that no one else wants to do. Especially if you're a fast worker and finish what they originally hired you for. They'll look for something else for you to do, and it isn't usually something fun! :p

Back to the upside - you get to work in a variety of positions at a big variety of companies. Some are great and some stink. But you get to see first hand which ones are great and which ones stink. It really helps you to narrow down just what you do like and what you don't like. Also, once they find out you're smart (if they're paying attention!), that's when things get good. They usually look for something for you to do to keep you happy, and you'll almost always get offered a permanent position - doing something - even if it's not what you've been doing while temping - they don't like losing good people.

I always took every job that was offered me - I wasn't too picky. My favorite one was when a construction contractor working on a JC Penney remodel needed a secretary to work in the onsite trailer at the jobsite (the trailer out in the parking lot). He'd gone through 3 girls in the first two days, telling two not to come back, and one walked out on her own at lunch. The agency BEGGED me to go to that assignment. The guy put on his gruff, nasty act when I came in, and tried scaring me (he didn't scare me at all). He wanted me to type while he dictated to me. OK. No problem. I kept up and the letter was perfect. I thought the guy was going to flip out! He was so excited. He turned into a total teddy bear, and I ended up working there all summer long. I got to wear shorts and make my own hours, and he and I cut a deal where he told the agency he didn't need me anymore, and I told them I took a permanent job somewhere, and then he paid me more than the agency did directly. I baked brownies and stuff all the time and had a great time.

Anyway, I could go on forever with stories, so I won't, but if I needed to, I'd go back to temping again in a minute.

[Krystal]

I'm actually temping right now. I work in film production so I can go a month or two without a project and I hate sitting around, not to mention not receiving a paycheck.

I'm working for a local municipality - which might explain why I have so much free time on the internet huh? :D

Grace - you hit the nail on the head! I didn't realize why people kept trying to show me how to do the simplest jobs or why my boss seems so surprised when I get a project finished early - they all think I'm dumb!!!

My education and skills are way above the requirements of this position, but it's a nice break from my regular routine. And I have met a lot of nice people.

Krystal

[LaraW]

I temped for several summers while I was in college. I was lucky enough most of the time to get an assignment that lasted the entire summer. I liked the ability to get to work at some different companies, so that was fun.

I also worked on "the other side" once I got out of college. That was definitely an interesting job - I got to meet all kinds of people (not always a good thing!)

Now, I work in HR, and I use temps when it makes sense. We have a temp at my company right now. We have and admin asst who is leaving, and we have a temp filling in for her until we hire a replacement.

[lindrusso]

Thanks to everyone for your responses. :)

Originally posted by Gilgamesh37
The big downside is no real opportunity for advancement, no real opportunity for salary increase, and no benefits---that last one is the real killer. And of course, no real job security.


That part doesn't bother me. At this point in life, I'm not banking on a career. What I really need right now is something that brings in a little extra money and something that will allow me to be flexible for my kids. My husband gets great benefits through his job, so that's not a problem at this point either.

I don't know if I'd be any better off temping than what I'm doing now, though. I don't know that temping would offer any greater challenges. At least where I'm at, I know I like the staff and have a schedule I can live with very easily.

Well, time to plan some good summer fun now that I know I won't be working! :D The rest can fall into place later......I've got a headache... ;)

Alysha

[mbrogier]

I've temped. My first offered position was the admin assistant for the regional vice president of a large bank. I had recently had a very nasty experience with that bank, so I turned the job down. (I could just see me screaming at the guy and throwing him out the window...:o :rolleyes: :D ) The next job was with a large kitchen manufacturing company. I caught on really quickly, and the people really liked me. It was one of those open ended assignments. I had not gotten my bladder disease under control, and I had to have a procedure done. The temp agency told me to quit, so I did. They didn't tell the company what had happened, and I wasn't supposed to contact them. 6 months later I had surgery that corrected my problem, and the same job came up. The company was exstatic to get me back. (They thought I was mad at them) :confused: I worked there for 3 more months until I moved away. They wanted to hire me permanently, and that was their goal. Just finding someone with a brain was a problem. There were 6 people in the 6 months that I was gone.

I've heard that there are short term assignments, but I haven't seen many. My SIL is temping now, but all her jobs have been 40 hour jobs as well. I still think that these companies would work with a smart person for flex time instead of just filling a chair for 8 hours. :D

[colleency]

I didn't completely read all the responses, so I hope I'm not repeating.

I've temped as a fill-in between jobs, and my experiences were so-so.

A lot of places won't let you do more because the temp agency gets paid more if you do more. They also don't think you could possibly have the skills.

I found myself working at several scrungy places where I would never take full-time employment...they all wanted to hire me permanently.

One temp agency I signed with wouldn't put me in temp jobs. I had three weeks before a one-week volunteer job that I had agreed to, and they wouldn't place me for three weeks. The same place was angry when I got a full-time job not through them. They tried to accuse me of getting a job through them and not paying them. :rolleyes:

[Blissful_in_TX]

I’ve temped off and on for various reasons and overall had positive experiences.

The worst part for me is that a lot of the jobs dealt with answering phones, which I HATE (heck, I don’t even answer my phone at home). The agencies knew this so they tried to work with me in finding other things; I’ve actually done many interesting things and really expanded my job skills.

The best part (I think) is that if you find a job you really like and if they really like you, then they can hire you permanently. That’s how I found my awesome last job. But if you want to go that way I would first look into what kind of fees the temp agency would charge the other company in that scenario b/c sometimes they demand such a ridiculous amount that it wouldn’t be feasible for the other company to hire you (and they’re legally bound not to for a certain amount of time). Actually, most of the companies I’ve temped at asked me if I wanted to stay permanently, but I only took the last company up on the offer.

And if one temp company isn’t bringing in the kind of work you want, you can always register at another one or two and keep in contact with all of them until you find one you like.

[bellringr]

I worked many temp jobs in the mid-90s and had almost all positive experiences. It can be quite challenging going into an office where you don't know the procedures and equipment, but I learned so much! I got an 8-month job at an insurance company and ended up getting three raises in that time. After that I had a 4-month job in a different area of the same company and ended up getting hired on permanently in yet another department. :D DH started out at the same company as a temp through another agency and got a great permanent job after about 6 months.

Most of the jobs I was offered lasted several weeks to several months and none were part-time. I did get paid vacation through my temp agency for working a certain number of hours in a 6-month period. Also, after working with them for a year or so I was able to negotiate higher pay because they knew they could count on me. One job I took ended up being much more technical than what had been described and I felt like I was being underpaid. I asked for a raise to a certain amount and they gave it to me. :)

As for companies being charged to hire on a temp permanently, that isn't necessarily true. The temp agency and company sign a contract that they will pay for you for a certain amount of time, but after that time is up they are free to do what they want. You just need to make sure you know how they work their contracts.

I only had two "bad" experiences. My very first assignment was for a week at a union office. I was a 21 year old novice in the business world and the office was full of long-bearded, cigar-smoking lecherous men. I was asked not to come back after the first day and I was OK with that! :D I also worked in my current company's HR Business Support department for a week and didn't like it too much. My boss was so mean and her boss was nothing more than a playboy. I found out months later that he was fired for looking at porn on the internet at work. lol

[HejazSunKat]

I'm temping now as I've done almost every time I've been between jobs for whatever reason. I've found 2 big drawbacks. As others have posted: The fact that people don't feel the need to socialize with you which can be sort of a drag on a long term assignment because you feel like the invisible man - and I'm no shrinking violet either. It can also be kind of funny - yesterday I was asked to sign a birthday card for somebody's surprise birthday party and I have no idea who it was for. :D I wished him a happy birthday anyway. I should have put (the temp in Finance) after my name :rolleyes: :)

The other thing is the work can be quite menial. I've come to the conclusion that more often than not people hire temps because they've got a sh!t job that nobody else in the company either has the time or desire to do. That's not to say I haven't learned anything on my temp assignments though. I've picked up quite a few new tricks in Excel (and I thought I was pretty good at it already) and I'm learning Oracle 11i and working in a high tech manufacturing environment - 2 things I can now put on my resume that weren't there before. In my case it's bringing in money and getting me out of the house and in contact with people who can possibly assist my job search. In fact, I've got an interview on Monday and I got the contact via someone I met on my last temp job.

On the plus side the expectations for temps are so low that if you're a good worker they think you're the second coming. "She shows up on time!" :eek: "She comes in EVERY DAY!" :eek: "She's smart and she wants to WORK!" :eek: So...lol...it's not hard to be a star. :D

As far as flexibility it can be great. Since the company knows I'm looking they've been very accomodating of my taking a few hours off here and there for interviewing - with plenty of notice that is. The assignment I'm currently on they only wanted me 4 days a week (giving me one free day a week to schedule appointments for job hunting stuff and do household tasks) so there are < 40 hour assignments out there. I would just be very specific with the agency you work through about what you do and don't want and what you can and can't do. You don't have to accept anything they throw at you. Set your parameters with them ahead of time (like commute distance, type of company or hours for example) and you should be fine. Knock on wood I've never had an assignment from he!!, it's been mostly a positive experience.

[newtricks]

Originally posted by Grace
The downside was people assumed you were dumb (I think a lot of temps must be because they were always AMAZED that a smart person actually showed up this time? :rolleyes: ) But it was hard to get them to realize I have a brain. One person actually tried to teach me how to DIAL THE PHONE! Yep. Really.


.On the plus side the expectations for temps are so low that if you're a good worker they think you're the second coming. "She shows up on time!" "She comes in EVERY DAY!" "She's smart and she wants to WORK!" So...lol...it's not hard to be a star. (Linda)

:D :D Yes, temping can actually be quite good for the old ego. I temped for a while in the early 90's when I was going to school. I enjoyed it and always got offered a permanent position! I say give it a try

[greysangel]

Originally posted by lindrusso
but I also realized that I had been happier at work lately with the thought of a more challenging position. In any case, I think I'm ready for something more. While in some ways it's nice to have a job where I don't shoulder much of the responsibility, I also realize that's part of what makes it boring too. Also, more money would be very nice.


Temping is really not going to bring you anything challenging (apart from meeting new people/environments) nor will it give you more responsibility. I wont repeat what everyone has said, but I really dont think it's going to be that much different from what you are doing now. Plus, most challenging assignments would be the more long term ones with more full time requirements that would be less flexible or forgiving of your time.

[greysangel]

I also wanted to add that didn't you at one time want to get into specialty food sales? How about working part time in that kind of service industry? The money probably wouldn't be as good as office work depending on your area, but you would probably have more schedule flexibility.

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by greysangel
Temping is really not going to bring you anything challenging (apart from meeting new people/environments) nor will it give you more responsibility. I wont repeat what everyone has said, but I really dont think it's going to be that much different from what you are doing now. Plus, most challenging assignments would be the more long term ones with more full time requirements that would be less flexible or forgiving of your time.

The more I thought about it, the more I started to think the same thing. I just thought that there might be more to do in some of these jobs. I have days in this other job, even though I'm only working 3.5 hours where I'm dying for SOMETHING to do.

You're right JeAnne - I was talking about food service. I sort of put that all on hold while waiting to hear about this other job. I am going to go to our local deli and speak with the woman who started that place up and pick her brain (or maybe even see if there's a place for me there - she does some catering). I'll also get in contact with a few companies in the area that provide small business mentoring/advice. I'll use the summer to play with all kinds of job possibilities and just maybe NOT getting this job will turn into a great thing. :)

Alysha

[bobmark226]

I loved and had great success with temping after a long recession here and years of hell as a <shudder> security guard. Doing that, I picked up receptionist experience and went the temp route with it. I got many great spots, worked in some fascinating places like the company that does most of the signs over Times Square and overlooked it, and I was constantly offered permanent spots. It wasn't until one agency tested my Word skills and sent me to a great place to do data control, where they hired me after five weeks, giving me a salary I never imagined in my wildest dreams. I was so happy I went into the men's room, went into a stall, closed the door and cried.

I've never felt the stigma of being an outsider, but then the nature of the receptionist jobs required a lot of interaction with both visitors and staff and my personal charm always won the day. :rolleyes:

Bob

[Peggy]

I like the deli/catering idea!!:)

One thought - Would you consider being a substitute teacher? That would fit your criteria for a working schedule that would fits your children's schedule. I substituted for a few years after I received my teaching credential. Instead of being on the general sub call list, I was unlisted and only worked at two schools. That way I knew the school routine, teachers and students. It worked out well.

I don't know the criteria in your state but in CA you can have a 4-year degree in anything and you just have to take the CBEST test (which is very easy - basic math, english, writing skills test) and you can get an "Emergency Teaching Credential" which allows you to substitute. Just another temp idea to consider.

Peggy

[lindrusso]

Originally posted by Peggy
I like the deli/catering idea!!:)
One thought - Would you consider being a substitute teacher? Peggy

Hi Peggy. :)

That's actually what I planned to do before I took on the part time office job. Now that I've been in the school for 2 years, I'm not so sure that subbing is for me. I've had a taste of it when I go down to the classrooms to cover for teachers occasionally and I can barely stand it! :eek: Of course it would likely be different if I did it regularly because I'd develop a routine, etc.

Anyway, I just don't think subbing is for me. I love my own kids dearly and adore a lot of the kids at school, but I'm not so keen on dealing with kids who have behavior problems/issues - it's sooo mentally exhausting. Give me an irate parent any day, but you can keep the kids with attitude, thank you. ;) Too bad they can't all be sweet little angels....there are many jobs I'd take in a second if that were true...... :)

Alysha

[annagins]

I did some temping when I lived in NYC and loved it. As a temp, you have the option to pick and choose (to some extent) your employer. If you are a good worker, it gives you a chance to walk right into a company, prove to them how great you are, and perhaps, find a full-time position with the company. It is a mutually beneficial situation.

The only drawback for me was not having benefits. If you are single, that's a huge issue. If you are married or already have some sort of coverage, temping is perfect.

[rosie_one]

Yup, I temped in college. I think, for me, it was great while I was young, cute and didn't know what a "real" office was like... but now I think it would get on my nerves. I'd do it again if my options were slim though, it wasn't THAT bad.

Grace and Linda pretty well summed up my experience. It was good for the ego, but boring in general. I liked seeing a lot of different work environments. Whatever you do DON'T take a manufacturing temp. job, no matter how interesting it may sound it won't be! I packaged small springs and pet vaccinations for exactly 1 day each and almost died from the numbing boredom. Ugh.

[jrichards]

My experiences temping have all been good ones. They've also lead to permanent job offers. I recommend it and always made decent money when doing it.

Bonus around college when I did this is that I got nights/weekends/holidays off, and much better pay than any other "summer" job. Waitressing could probably beat the pay if you do well in tips, but then the whole good hours thing is negated. And, I'd be tired/smelly when done.

:D

The only thing other posters haven't covered that I learned is that it pays to sign up with more than one temp agency at a time. That way, you have more possible offers coming your way, and can pick the location/job/salary that is best for you!

Maybe I lucked out on assignments, but I got some really amazing opportunities in my temp jobs, and met great people. Some cool bonuses too (like getting free purses from a manufacturing company, opportunity to be invovled with the baton launch for Commonwealth Games).

Jennifer

[Kristilyn1]

Originally posted by HejazSunKat


On the plus side the expectations for temps are so low that if you're a good worker they think you're the second coming. "She shows up on time!" :eek: "She comes in EVERY DAY!" :eek: "She's smart and she wants to WORK!" :eek: So...lol...it's not hard to be a star. :D


I've been a recruiter for a temp agency and I've temped. While I would agree that 90% of the jobs are menial and you don't learn much---there are some fabulous companies that do almost all their hiring though temps--they like to "try it before you buy it".

On the recruiting side: most secretarial-type temps are literally the most boneheaded, irresponsible idiots you've EVER MET IN YOUR LIFE, so if you are good--you will shine and be in very high demand. Yes, I have many stories to back up the assertion above. Some of them literally defy logic. Some companies will only hire temps to do menial work but my temp job about ten years ago was at a bank--I moved up from literally making copies to getting my own office and a great permanent job. I've sent temps on jobs that I wanted myself.

In dealing with temp agencies:

it is industry standard to charge exorbitant fees to permanently hire temps. This has broken the heart of more than one temp who has desperately wanted a permanent job but the costs were too high. Of course some companies will simply try to covertly hire a temp, which I never have a problem with, but some companies are afraid of doing something underhanded. So if you start working at a fabulous company that tells you all the time that they want to hire you--make sure they know what it will cost to get you.

if you say no to too many assignments, or get lableled as too picky--they will stop calling you. The pace is fast and new people come in every day. It's not like you have to accept every job, but if every job is the wrong hours, wrong days, etc. Or your schedule is too hard to accommodate, etc. you probably won't work.

I suggest you at least give it a try as if nothing else it might get you some new employment contacts for later on.

Kristi

[HejazSunKat]

Originally posted by newtricks
:D :D Yes, temping can actually be quite good for the old ego. I temped for a while in the early 90's when I was going to school. I enjoyed it and always got offered a permanent position! I say give it a try

LOL...exactly and that's just what you need when you're job hunting and getting doors slammed in your face all the time to remind you that you are not, in fact, a loser. :D Still you don't get alot of respect as a temp. I went into 'work' about a month ago to find my entire department missing. When I asked where everybody was I found out they were all at an offsite meeting at a local hotel for the next two days - an event nobody had the courtesy to mention to the temp (i.e. me) so she wouldn't get out of bed and come in. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by lindrusso
I just thought that there might be more to do in some of these jobs. I have days in this other job, even though I'm only working 3.5 hours where I'm dying for SOMETHING to do.

Alysha, you just never know. My last temp job I was busy every day even though it was mind-numbingly boring stuff it was fine with me because I had something to do all the time. It's kind of like being stuck in traffic: If it's only moving 20 miles and hour you're happy! :) The one I'm on now as it turns out they only REALLY need me 2 weeks a month to do a close for them - the rest of the time I'm sitting there with NOTHING and going out of my mind, thinking about all of the things I could be doing at home.

One thing I thought I'd mention: There is a difference between temping and working contract. When you work contract (and maybe there is a more appropriate word for it - Kristi? Do you know what I'm talking about? Can you help me?) you might be filling in for a maternity leave or a short or long-term disability absence. In that case you'd probably be doing just about the same things as the regular employee. If you did a good job and the employee didn't come back for whatever reason you might end up with their job (assuming the employer was willing to pay the agency's fees to get you). You'd still work through an agency but you'd get benefits and the rate would probably be better than you'd get temping. I looked into this for myself and I would have gotten the same benefits as the people who worked for the agency: Health insurance, 401k (with no match though), vacation pay etc. I didn't get into it because when you accept one of these you have to commit to it and stop looking for a permanent position for the duration of your assignment - something I wasn't willing to do. You probably also wouldn't have exactly the same flexibility as a temp but you'd have about as much as regular employees have when it comes to taking time off for family matters which is to say some and you wouldn't be locked in forever. I was told the minimum assignment at the agency I inquired about was 3 months. If you only wanted short term ones like that you could tell the agency that and they'd look for only those.

I do agree with whoever (and I'm sorry I can't remember who it was) posted about not being too picky initially. Like anything else you have to establish a reputation for the agency. Do one good job for them so they know you're reliable and a hard worker and then you can be more choosy about assignments. I think alot of people do not take temp work seriously and blow their assignments off (not showing up, doing the minimum etc) so the people who don't do that really stand out to the agency.

[lindrusso]

Thanks for all of the continued insight. It has been very helpful.

One more day of work and I can look into other options!

Alysha

[Kristilyn1]

Yes, Linda there is a difference. Some companies have on site temp agencies that do contract work for them and some temp agencies have contracts drawn up with their customers for contract work. Contract work does have better benefits and respect, but yes--you are locked into that job for a set amount of time. My friend is doing such an assignment right now for Timberland. She has ZERO experience in the field and she is about to be hired full time by them for a VERY respectable salary. All her training was on the job. Timberland receives a TON of resumes a day so the idea that she would have gotten in the door in a more tradtional route....slim to none.

Kristi

[HejazSunKat]

Originally posted by Kristilyn1
My friend is doing such an assignment right now for Timberland. She has ZERO experience in the field and she is about to be hired full time by them for a VERY respectable salary. All her training was on the job. Timberland receives a TON of resumes a day so the idea that she would have gotten in the door in a more tradtional route....slim to none.

Kristi

Wish I'd gotten THAT temp job! :D That is supposed to be an incredible place to work and they have consistently been on the Fortune list of top 100 places to work year after year. Good luck to her.

[Kristilyn1]

Originally posted by HejazSunKat


Wish I'd gotten THAT temp job! :D That is supposed to be an incredible place to work and they have consistently been on the Fortune list of top 100 places to work year after year. Good luck to her.

she keeps telling me that I need to come in for the tour, it's that good! That schleps who aren't ever going to work there like to see the place!

Kristi