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While the job market remains sluggish, temporary work is one area that's done very well in the economic recovery. Companies are keeping their temps longer and are even using them to fill professional and high-ranking positions.
The average daily number of temporary workers employed during the first quarter of 2012 was more than 2.5 million. That's up from a low of 2.1 million in early 2009, according to the American Staffing Association.
My wife was just hired on perm after 6 months of temping, and Im going on 5 months with no end in sight. Im seeing temp agencies pop up everywhere. There are dozens more around than I remember even 4-5 years back. Also, some firms that have traditional expertise other places, such as auditing in particuliar, are leveraging their relationships in to the "staffing" game.
As an employee, I like temp jobs aka consulting. I prefer this over a perm position. I like the idea of having time off in between jobs and it's fun to switch companies and projects every so often. You actually learn a lot by moving around and experiencing lots of different companies and projects.
When you are interviewing for the next gig, the reason for leaving prior job is that the contract expired. This is a clean and easily explained reason for leaving a position. Lots of temp jobs will keep extending your contract. I have been on some gigs for several years.
As an employee, I like temp jobs aka consulting. I prefer this over a perm position. I like the idea of having time off in between jobs and it's fun to switch companies and projects every so often. You actually learn a lot by moving around and experiencing lots of different companies and projects.
When you are interviewing for the next gig, the reason for leaving prior job is that the contract expired. This is a clean and easily explained reason for leaving a position. Lots of temp jobs will keep extending your contract. I have been on some gigs for several years.
Lack of benefits, paid holidays, work stability.....not for everyone.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, originally from SF Bay Area
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Here there is demand for temps but also for regular jobs. We have one temp currently just to help with a special project, but it's the 4th person since November. The first 3 all got permanent jobs and left.
This will definitely create problems long-term, aside from the obvious decline in dependable wages and benefits. For example, temp workers who get shuffled between jobs will not have the time to gain institutional knowledge about the company's products and procedures. They also will naturally care less about the quality of their work since they know full well that working hard and going "above and beyond" won't actually net them anything... they'll still be tossed out at the end of the assignment or if the company hits a bump in the road.
So, it's more short-term cost cutting that will create problems in the long term... something at which our nation seems to be great these days.
Lack of benefits, paid holidays, work stability.....not for everyone.
In my case, the contract gig's pay is higher and the extra money makes up for unpaid holidays and vacation and sick days. Many temp firms offer benefits but you usually have to pay more for them versus a standard job that pays you lower and uses that money to pay for benefits and vacation and holidays.
There can be some down time between jobs with contract work and this is not for everyone. Plus knowing that a gig will end soon is not for everyone.
In my case, the contract gig's pay is higher and the extra money makes up for unpaid holidays and vacation and sick days. Many temp firms offer benefits but you usually have to pay more for them versus a standard job that pays you lower and uses that money to pay for benefits and vacation and holidays.
There can be some down time between jobs with contract work and this is not for everyone. Plus knowing that a gig will end soon is not for everyone.
On what planet do temp jobs pay more than standard jobs? Temp jobs are notorious for underpaying on the market value and taking advantage of straight up desperation.
This will definitely create problems long-term, aside from the obvious decline in dependable wages and benefits. For example, temp workers who get shuffled between jobs will not have the time to gain institutional knowledge about the company's products and procedures. They also will naturally care less about the quality of their work since they know full well that working hard and going "above and beyond" won't actually net them anything... they'll still be tossed out at the end of the assignment or if the company hits a bump in the road.
So, it's more short-term cost cutting that will create problems in the long term... something at which our nation seems to be great these days.
You really don't have the opportunity to go 'above & beyond' as a temp -- your role is clearly defined and actually too many temp jobs can hurt you when looking for a perm position. I have worked on several long term contracts over the past few years and at many interviews for full time positions I had to explain why I didn't go perm (there was a hiring freeze of perm employees at the companies I worked for)... Lack of stability is also a clear issue, I know people who were let go from their temp assignment with just a phone call on a Friday nite from the recruiting agency telling them they were no longer needed.
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