Have you hit a wall in your search for permanent employment? Then perhaps it’s time to join the temporary workforce instead.
Though it might not sound so appealing at first, it may end up being just what you need to jumpstart your career.
Whether you’re a student who just graduated from high school or a displaced worker who drew the short straw when the company you worked for decided to downsize, there are many advantages of working temp jobs.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most prominent ones:
1. Puts money in your pocket
Unfortunately, we all need money to survive, and having to claim unemployment benefits from the government is something we all try to avoid. Having a temp job will ensure that you earn a salary, even if it’s just for a few months. That way, you can still pay your bills and remain independent while you’re searching for a more permanent solution.
2. Fills the gaps on your resume
Timeline gaps on resumes don’t create a good impression. By taking on temp jobs while looking for permanent employment, you’ll have something to fill in the spaces. When you finally apply for a full-time job, your professional history section on your resume will be more complete. Even if the temp job has no relevance to your industry, it will show prospective employers that you’re a willing and motivated individual.
3. May offer flexible hiring requirements
Some employers looking to hire temp workers are in a hurry to get the position filled as quickly as possible. This often leads to a bit of flexibility in the hiring requirements, giving you a better chance of landing a job quickly.
4. Helps you gain experience
Temp jobs can help you improve your skill set. You have the choice between applying for a temp job in your area of expertise to enhance the skills you already possess, or you can opt for an entirely new environment where you’ll be able to acquire new skills.
5. Builds your network of connections
In the professional world, it’s all about who you know. The important role that networking plays in your journey to success cannot be emphasized enough. You need to take every chance you can get to build your list of solid references and connections, and providing temp services is definitely a golden opportunity to meet new people.
6. Broadens your horizons
There may be loads of reasons for you to want to try out something new. Perhaps you’ve been in customer service your entire career and you’re looking to explore a whole new profession. Or maybe you’re an IT specialist who’s not yet sure which industry to focus on. Getting a temp job will allow you to do a bit of firsthand experimenting in various fields. This will allow you to determine which ones you enjoy, which ones could be the most profitable, and which ones you perform in best.
7. Opens doors for full-time employment
There’s always the possibility that employers will offer you a full-time position if they’re satisfied with your work. This is why you should never take a “just-passing-through” approach when you’re working a temp job. If you do your job well, it might open other, bigger doors for you.
8. May provide flexible working hours
Many temp jobs are just part-time, meaning you’ll have some extra time to spend on other things. You can use this time to focus on your permanent job search, take an online course to expand your knowledge, go to networking events, or take up a hobby. Furthermore, contract temp workers are typically paid by the hour. So if you decide to put in some extra time at work, you’ll reap the benefits when you receive your paycheck.
9. Bolsters mental health
Unemployment has been associated with poor mental health by psychologists for quite some time. A survey conducted by Gallup, an American analytics and advisory company, showed that 15.7% of individuals who have been unemployed for 12 to 26 weeks have been or are currently being treated for depression. You can read more in this article published by the New York Times with freelance journalist Micaela Marini Higgs discussing the reality of job search depression. Getting a temp job will distract you from the anxiety that goes along with searching for the perfect permanent job.
10. Can be a long-term gig
Some people find the advantages of temp jobs so fulfilling that they actually choose to temp as a career. Statistics show that in 2018, approximately 16.8 million employees in the U.S. were temporary or contract workers. That’s an increase of more than 8% from the previous year. If you’re someone who likes to travel, gets bored of doing the same thing for too long, or likes to know a little bit of everything, temping might be the perfect solution for you.
Conclusion
Now that you have a better understanding of the advantages of temp jobs, you may want to jump in and start looking for a position.
So where do you start? Well, the easiest option may be to contact a Utah temp agency. At PrincePerelson, we have worked for more than 20 years to build a vast network of employers looking for temporary workers. This allows us to find the perfect temporary role for you in no time. We pride ourselves on committing to your success and will personally meet with you to discuss your requirements and begin the process of matching you with the ideal job.
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