Working World

Most job seekers are looking for regular full-time work, but a growing number of people make temporary work a career. In fact, the staffing industry supplies 2.9 million employees per day. “Temp work” can be a great choice if you want more balance than a full-time job can offer.

The variety appeals to some, and still others use temporary placement as a trial run. Will this corporation be a good fit for me? Would a smaller company, even a smaller office, be better? If you’re thinking of signing with a temp agency, and every year thousands do, first ask yourself four questions.

Can you work comfortably in an unfamiliar environment? Some temp jobs mean a month or two at one location. Others mean every day is different. So how flexible are you? Substituting for one day in the data entry pool is far different than covering maternity leave for the receptionist in a busy pediatrician’s office.

Do you have reliable transportation? Getting around new neighborhoods via public transportation can be daunting, especially if the site changes daily. Car pooling doesn’t work for temps.

Can you cope with difficult personalities? Can you “read” people well? And how do people tend to find you? But remember: Unpleasant coworkers only get walk-on roles in your work life, as do you in theirs. That can be a bonus of temp life.

Are you adaptable? You’re a self-starter and switch gears quickly? Good. As a temp in a specific location, you must fit the needs of the employer, not the other way around. And that’s a, well, challenge of temp life!