This is the other extreme. Some companies request a temp when there is absolutely no need for one. If this happens, you have two choices: Tell them they are paying too much for your services, or-depending on your mood and your pocketbook-keep quiet and look busy. Temps often go prepared for that scenario. Some bring paperbacks, needlepoint, cards and letters to write, and crossword puzzles to every assignment. Others combat this problem by using the available time to teach themselves how to use whatever office equipment is near them, and still others actively pursue further responsibility from the client. "I always ask for more to do. ... I love their look of surprise," laughs one temp.
Problem 2: Adaptability Anxiety
Temps learn to deal with controlled stress. Think about it. Each time a temp goes on an assignment it is like beginning a new job. You don't know anyone, you don't know what you will be responsible for, and you may be under pressure to perform like a pro. One temp who seemed to have this problem under control told us his secret: "I don't believe there is any job out there, with the exception of cardiac surgery and nuclear physics that cannot be mastered within two weeks. People who think they are irreplaceable should know better." This temp says he goes in prepared to make the employers life easier.
"They’ve called for a temp, and they rarely expect a miracle worker. I do my thing, ask intelligent questions, and everyone is happy."
Don't put unnecessary pressure on yourself. Turn your anxiety into something positive. Remember, this job won't last forever; and if it isn't of mutual benefit, you can call your service and say you are wrong for the company. But do give yourself a chance to succeed and feel like a hero or heroine.
Problem 3: Acceptance of Your Limited Power
This is difficult if you are intelligent, savvy, and a problem solver. Frequently, temps enter into chaotic situations and can see things in an objective light. They recognize where the problems lie and may even have solutions for them. The problem is, no one is willing to listen to them. Temps can only do so much. Few are given any degree of responsibility, and they have limited opportunity to make positive changes in the workplace-whether it be redesigning a filing system or creating a new form. Permanent employees don't want to hear your ideas. You are the outsider, and they may resent you, or feel threatened by your ability to overshadow them.
Should you say nothing? No. Make contributions, but do so tactfully and in a non-threatening way. We know of one temp who wrote his supervisor a memo on the last day of his assignment. In it, he thanked the supervisor for the opportunity to work there and pointed out several individuals who helped make his stay a positive experience. He concluded with some thoughts about ideas he had, and outlined what they were. His memo noted that he wasn’t trying to be presumptions, just helpful, and that he didn't know if his ideas were even practical, since he had a limited understanding of the client's business. In short, the temp handled the situation in a delicate and professional manner, and he was asked back to help implement his ideas. The rule here is that it is not what you say, but how you say it.
Problem 4: No Career Path
Temping tends to be a series of similar experiences. Of course, you can build your level of skill and increase your earnings, but you can't really carve out a career path for yourself. If you have aspirations toward management or a corner office, you won't find it as a temp. Again, it all comes down to what you want to get out of temping. It is fine and acceptable as a permanent career as long as you understand its limitations.
We have met temps who went on to succeed brilliantly in specialty careers. These were motivated high achievers who used temping to expand their business experience, develop valuable networking contacts, and fine-tune professional skills. Before you temp, examine the reality of the situation for you in relation to your goals: Will it help get you where you want to be in life? Is it a good solution for you?
Problem 5: Temp Work May Not Be Treated as Credible Work Experience
This is an area of discrimination you rarely hear about: People who opt to leave the world of temping to pursue permanent employment say that they find they have to justify their temp experiences if they expect to be treated seriously. Be prepared for these questions in a job interview, and don't sound defensive or hostile when you answer them.
Why were you temping?
Do you have any real work experience?
Here is a good sample answer:
I temped in order to get a better understanding of a variety of communications – oriented industries; I’ve had some wonderful experiences in publishing, public relations? and advertising that I wouldn’t have had if I hadn’t chosen to temp. It gave me the opportunity to learn that I’m happiest in an advertising environment. I know that because of the work I did at XYZ Company, assisting its advertising director. Should I tell you what my responsibilities were?
What employer can argue with a statement like that? Rehearse and plan your answer ahead of time.
No doubt, these won't be your only problems as a temporary employee. We don't want to scare you? Just make you aware of what to expect once you are temping. It s really not so different from any career, but having foreknowledge of what awaits you can only help.
