The phrase “long-term” in the context of the temporary work field might seem contradicting, however there are both “short-term” and “long-term” assignments existent.
“Long-term” position time frames can last a few weeks to a year, or more. They include situations in which:
(A) An employee is on extended leave of absence, such as maternity or disability
(B) An employee has left the company and a suitable replacement is being sought
(C) The position is fulfilling a specific contract period
(D) The position is functioning as a probation period prior to a full-time offer
(E) The position is designed to function only to be filled by temporary personnel.
Just as “short-term” temp work has its advantages and disadvantages, so do “long-term” temp work.
ADVANTAGES OF LONG-TERM ASSIGNMENTS
- Fewer transitions
- More flexibility to negotiate a change of hours, higher pay, a day off, etc.
- Opportunity to develop rapport
- Consistent cash-flow
- Time to perfect a skill, such as a new software, which may prove useful in future assignments
- Time to accrue enough hours to be eligible for holiday and/or vacation benefits through an agency
DISADVANTAGES OF LONG-TERM ASSIGNMENTS
- Emulation of a "permanent" job in terms of responsibility, but without the benefits
- Redundancy/boredom, due to routine.
- Employment limbo: not being accepted into the company’s team fully, but carrying more responsibility then the “short-term” temp workers.
Long-term Might Be For You If:
- You work better under a routine
- You get stressed out by fast deadlines and constant change
- You have a relatively set schedule
- You are looking for or require a stable income
Even though “long-term” assignments last longer, it is still the realm of a fast-paced environment and you have to be okay with working on short notice.
Availability is what the temping game is all about. If you work for an agency or as freelance, here are some precautions you can take to avoid feeling bombarded with job requests:
- Informing your agency in advance that you prefer at least a day of notice for an assignment
- Informing your agency when you will be unavailable for long periods of time
- Making a firm decision in your own mind—yes or no—before the phone rings.
- Being gracious about saying ‘no.’ Apologize for your lack of availability, but let them know that you are still interested and to give you a call for their next assignment.
- Letting your answering machine take a message. You can return the call later in the day, or when you are available.
- Preparing yourself physically and emotionally in advance if you do wish to work
- Having clothing ready for a possible assignment. Not being involved in a difficult-to-interrupt project can make a last-minute work assignment less hectic.
In the end, it is a personal decision whether or not “long-term” assignments are a good fit for you. You might want to put a little more thought into accepting “long-term” assignments as opposed to “short-term” assignments because their duration is longer and there is a larger commitment in accepting the job. However, as long as you decipher exactly, what you’re looking for in a temp job, your decision should not be too hard to make.
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