Temporary Employment Part One – Ten Benefits

Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics June 2010 report temporary help services continued to add jobs (+31,000), and employment has increased by 362,000 since reaching a low in September 2009. You can review this report at: http://www.bls.gov/web/empsit/ceshighlights.pdf

Over the years I’ve have had numerous temp jobs, several which turned into permanent positions.

Prior to the career in logistics I just left, some of the best paying jobs I ever had I found through temporary employment agencies.

I enjoyed temp work because of the variety and flexibility.

I was always a very conscientious employee and I was very rarely without an assignment unless it was my choice. There were many times when an employer would ask for me specifically based on my performance during a previous assignment. When I decided it was time to move on, especially if an assignment was long term and I was bored, the employer hated to see me go.

If you’ve never considered temporary employment it may be something to consider. I have listed some of the benefits of temping below and tomorrow I will discuss how to succeed as a temp.

Ten Benefits of Temporary Employment

To supplement a full-time job and help make ends meet.
To pay down debt.
To earn money to fund a special expense like a vacation, summer camp for your kids, a workshop you want to take, etc.
It’s a great way to research jobs and try them out.
The variety of experiences open to you and the people you meet are a wonderful resource for storytelling in both your fiction and nonfiction writing.
To gain experience, especially if you are new to the job market or returning to the job market after some time away.
Flexibility – you can take assignments that fit your needs and time availability.
Stop gap employment – temporary employment assignments can help fill in the gaps when you are between jobs. It can help keep you skills fresh and provide a little extra income.
It can pay for your hobbies and spare time or weekend activities.
It’s a great way to get out of the house for a few days, meet people and earn a little extra spending money.

Tomorrow I will talk about how to succeed as a temp so that you keep getting assignments and possibly be offered a permanent position if that is your goal in Temporary Employment Part Two – How to Succeed as a Temp Employee.