Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[kitbag]

I'm just wondering whether anyone has ever done temping before? Having only left school in July, I am currently employed as a teaching assistant, but am really not enjoying it - I have only done it since September. I have really tried to stick it out, but I feel that enough is enough and there is only so much I can take.

 

There aren't really a lot of full time jobs around at the moment, so I have decided to have a look at temping as my next option. I have got an appointment with Pertemps tomorrow, but just want to find out from some people that might have done it what it's really like! I just want to know whether it's difficult going from one job to another so regularly, really!

 

Thanks in advance!

Megan xx

[yvonne]

I have not been a temp, but have employed quite a few in accountancy roles and think it's a good way to see if you like a job (and en employer likes you) and can often lead to an offer of permanent employment. Good Luck in whatever you decide to do.

[kitbag]

Thanks for your reply! I agree - I have no clue what I want to do, and I feel quite pressured to find something soon despite only just turning 18! I think the fact that it could lead to permanent employment is the icing on the cake really.

[helenp]

I've tempted on several occasions, and 2 of those led to full time jobs, including where I am in now. It is a good way of working as you get paid for what hours you do, so if you don't turn up no money!! Also if you don't like a job or the employer you can leave. Just sign to a good agency with a good reputation and you should be fine.

Good luck

[The Warrens]

Temping will help you experience all different roles and careers......you usualy get paid weekly - make sure you fill your timesheet every week and get it signed and faxed back to the agent otherwise you wont get paid lol that happened to me when i first starting working

 

as others have said, make sure you join a decent agency - Office angles, Hays ect

 

i also think temping would give you confidence (not saying you dont have any) eventually with meeting different people and working in different office ect - so you could progress quicker in your chosen profession when you decide on it - unlike me whos been in the same job with the same people for a while now and im currently looking for a new perm job, but im a tad nervous incase i cant do a new job as i want to change career paths - its nerves i know,

 

Good Luck with it

[Millihelen]

What about temping at the other end of your working life? Has anyone done this?

I was made redundant 6months ago - and I have realised that as they keep moving the retirement age, I have time to retrain for a whole new career! I just don't know what.

Also I have other commitments, responsibilities and interests, so although I am flexible, I can only work part-time.

[The Dogmother]

I temped a few years back after being made redundant - it led (eventually) my current job.

 

I registered with a couple of agencies, if you have good office skills then you'll never be short of work, and I was able to pick and choose from the various assignments I was offered.

[Lydia]

I temped on and off for 5 years or so when I was younger and 3 times got a full time job as a result.

 

Megan, I can thoroughly recommend Delaney Browne in Reading. Super agency, interested in you and not just after the commission.

[craftyhunnypie]

Did it loads in student holidays. Used to work for the agencies. Took whatever work was available. From picking peanuts, to packing, to pushing the pork down in pork pies! Long shifts, but worth it to be a decent off student that went on holidays abroad! I worked every holiday going!

I've also done temping when I first came back from abroad - I worked as receptionists. Not ideal but gives you confidence to face the world at interviews, pays bills & I bought a little car with my wages upon my return to the U.K.

Emma.x

[Looney]

I temped when I first left uni. Luckily the first placing I was offered lasted for 8 months and would have gone on for longer but I had found a permanent job by then!

 

It is a good way to build up experience as others have said. You will need to get used to being the 'new girl' and also being treated differently to the permanent staff. For example you won't necessarily get the same benefits as the permanent staff or perks or included in certain activities. Not a problem if you aren't there for long but can make you feel a bit left out if you are in one place for several months. (I worked for Guiness...but no beer allowance for me! )

 

One other thing. The temp agencies earn their money from the employers so their loyalty lies with them and not you. So long as they can place someone in each position then they are happy. They don't necessarily care about who they place (so long as they can do the job obviously) and with so many people currently looking for work they are likely to have a long list of people to pick from. You may need to be quite assertive with the agency to make sure that they don't forget about you or give you a job that, although you can do it, isn't what you wanted or doesn't use your range of talents. Not all agencies are this bad but some are.

 

That sounds really negative, it isn't supposed to be! You can have a great time temping and it may help you decide what you want to do on a more permanent basis.

 

Can I ask what you don't like about being a teaching assistant? Would a change of school help? Or is the job itself?

 

Good luck! x

[The Dogmother]

As Looney has said above, it is essential that you bother them on a regular basis so that you have work for the coming week/s. I worked in recruitment myself for a while, so I could easily play their game when I started to temp.

 

I will be making sure that Rosie learns how to touch type during the next summer hols, then she will be able to earn more temping than someone who can't.

 

The Boy is an illustrator, and when he's short of art work, he picks up freelancing again - delivering luxury cars all over the country - he really enjoys it, the money isn't brilliant but it's better than nowt.

[Shirl]

I have been a temp in the past and have gained full-time employment from it. The downside was sorting out the tax etc even though I was with an umbrella company. I have also employed temps and making a good impression is crucial. We have had to get rid of temps after a day because they spent too much time on their mobiles etc.

[CatieB]

i have temped in my younger days particularly like you when I left school. I gained valuable work (and life) experience and it will give you a flavour of what you like.

 

HOWEVER before you make any decision consider how crucial continual employment, and a wage is to you and ask the agencys what the opportunities are like at present. For example how likely are you to find employment continuously or otherwise. I say this because the market is tough at moment, my 18 year old nephew (who has just finished education)is willing to do anything and is struggling. He works for agencies and is known to them and always gets glowing reports from the employers (including tips etc) yet he is not getting anywhere near as much work as he would like. Its probably more difficult for boys but I thought it was worth considering.

 

Good luck

[Seagazer]

I temped when I changed from working locally back up to London, it was pretty good but the points that Looney made are quite valid. The agency is more concerned with just filling the job and the idea that you can pick and choose may not actually happen.

 

I think the market is very slow at the moment but I hope you manage to get some temping if that's the route you want to go down.

[The Dogmother]

I totally agree about the agencies wanting to fill their bookings, the idea of being able to pick and choose between assignments depends entirely on your skills set, so if you're able to find time to add to your skills - now is the time to do it.