To Temp or Not to Temp - That is the Question
Working in a temporary position or on a contract assignment can be a great way to dip your big toe in the pool to see if you actually want to go for a swim. Frankly, I like the idea of temping – it’s try before you (potentially) buy. You can really get the ‘lay of the land’ and avoid buyer’s remorse that sometimes happens when you accept a position and then shortly thereafter decide that you hate it and made a mistake. You should have taken the other offer.
While I do appreciate and like the freedom that a temporary position affords, it too has unfortunate minuses. For example, there is the situation that you might not have medical and other benefits that full-time employment affords. If you rely on yourself for coverage, temporary work might leave you without medical and dental benefits for quite some time. This is risky business – you never know when you might need a root canal.
One of the main concerns about temping is that you are on a perpetual interview. Even if you enjoy the temp life, no doubt you are looking for a place to call home – a place to hang your hat everyday. We all like consistency. Temping leaves things too open-ended. When is the assignment going to end? You will then need to start searching for another gig. Moving from assignment to assignment can get old – and pretty fast too. You are on what I call the interview merry-go-round. Why? Well, because the temporary role you are in right now might be the job you want. So what do you do? You have to treat everyday as if you are on the interview. There is not opportunity to let your guard down – even a little bit. Consistently delivering is of the utmost importance if you are to be tapped to fill a permanent opening. Don’t get me wrong – you should always be striving to do your best in any situation. We all have ups and downs though. As a full-timer, there is a bit more latitude. Temporary work does not allow for vacation. If you don’t show up you don’t get paid. Back to the never ending interview – if you don’t show up for whatever reason they might not think you are dedicated enough and continue the search for a better fit, or someone that demonstrates more commitment. Perception is reality, and you need to always be ‘on your game’ in a temp situation.
Still, I like the temp idea in theory and in practice. I think the benefits outweigh the shortcomings; you get to meet new people, evaluate business operations, and really determine if an environment can meet your needs. There is something really appealing about the no strings attached situation that temping affords. If you decide you don’t like it, you can move on to what will (hopefully) be greener pastures. Given the current economic condition, temping just might be what the doctor orders until things swing around.
Comments and feedback are requested and desired; and you are welcome and encouraged to submit questions to thecareerdoctor.
Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC is the founder and Chief Career Strategist of ResumesDoneWrite, a premier career services provider focused on developing highly personalized career roadmaps for senior leaders and executives across all verticals and industries.
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