I am hoping to create a blog for all the temporary workers out there. The market is interesting and it seems that work is slow to non-existent but I don't know how it is in other areas of the country. There is a unique experience for those of us who "choose" to work contract/temporary as opposed to taking permanent positions. These past few years have been very interesting for me in my personal and family life and I have found myself relocating to different areas of the country. The market and culture of the market place is different everywhere you go but the level of professional ethics, I believe, should not be. So with every assignment, I asked questions, at points I was told I asked too many questions and it was perceived that I was not bright, but someone told me the dumbest question is the one you don't ask. I would rather ask the question and do it to my employer's satisfaction then to assume and make a mistake. For me, being a good worker (especially in a temporary assignment) I must ask questions. What are your thoughts? I will continue, there were some assignments where I was told I was too nice. Now this one was strange because although I can be pleasant, my personal response to all things is not nice. In a work environment, I believe you should always to be amicable and pleasant. My thought is I am there to do a job not to bring you my negativity. This, of course, was/is maturation process because this is a day to day discipline. Thoughts?
One of my major mistakes is that I can be too "open" and attempt to speak to everyone around me in a kind way. I think maybe I should work on that and not be as outgoing since most agencies I work with are super conservative and can be rather rigid. This is something I will work on going forward.
The other piece is because I "choose" to work temporary I am not viewed as being able to produce a quality product. It seems it was perceived that me not being permanent would make me less than a professional. Now, all of my business training and my personal development require that I produce a good product because my name is on it, one, and two this is my livelihood - word of mouth keeps you working.
Another issue for me was I would apply for the opening that I was temporarily working in - sometimes out of mere desperation. Tired of going to place to place. Needing medical insurance whatever the reason. Most times I was not considered for the position but I would stress myself out the entire time I was working - temporary, I have learned, means just that temporary. Also, in reading the employment contract with the temporary agencies, most of them state that you should not ask for the position you are there as a temporary. I just recently noticed that.
I would love to know some of the experiences of other temporary/contract workers. Can we share tips on different areas of the country for those of us who are traveling. What are the best companies to work for? What are some of your experiences with some of the well known companies? Has the rate of pay changed because of the job market?
I am in Washington, D.C. now and it seems for every one job announcement there are 100 applicants. What are your experiences in other parts of the country.
I look forward to your thoughts and comments.
Sincerely - a Willing Worker
