Temp agencies..

[C.Ann]

Has anyone here recently worked for any of the bigger, well known temp agencies? Do they get many very short term assignments - like a day, two days, three days?

Can't do anything until my house is sold, but once it is, I'm thinking about looking for some work.. Hate to admit it, but I'm actually getting bored - LOL.. I don't want to commit to anything permanent though (at least not for awhile) because I plan on doing some extended traveling right after Christmas..

Anyone done this sort of thing?

Thanks!

 

[rascalmom]

I have done work for temp agencies, mostly the ones that deal with accounting positions. Most of my assignments were long-term, but I have an aunt who stays as busy as she wants doing temp clerical work.

 

[experiment626mom]

Kelly Services and Manpower are two that I know of that will give you short term assignments. And they will help you out after the move.

Good Luck

 

[cats7494]

A few years ago - I worked with Kelly. Went in their office in the morning and they had something for me to start the next day. They were great to work with....
Good luck!

 

[diznygirl]

I've done a lot of temp work - mostly through AppleOne. I've had one week assignments, and one that lasted 3 years! Here there are Fri, Sat and Sun assignments for conventions. I like temping cuz I don't have to interview for a job, and I don't have to stay at a place I don't like.

 

[questioner]

Temp work is eye opening. For two years I did alot of temp work and went to almost 100 different employers on many short term positions. Most lasting 1-3 days. Here are some observations:

The regular employees will treat you rudely assuming something is wrong with you because you are ONLY a temp.

The pay will be low unless you have specific skills. Maybe $8 to $12 an hour.

You can be fired from an assignment for any or no reason.

You must call the temp agency and remind them you are ready and willing to work at least once a week.

It is easier to get temp work if you are a young women. That is who employers want.

Check the temp message board on Monster.com for lots of interesting stories from other temps.

 

[vettechick99]

I did! I worked briefly for Adecco in 02. The gal said I was overqualified for most of the jobs she placed (clerical) but I said I just wanted to earn a few dollars and also get my foot in the door at a place that might hire me for what I'm skilled at doing (marketing). So the day I applied, my rep called and said a large hospital had an opening for a receptionist and asked if I was interested. The next day I started.

I earned a specific wage that came directly from Adecco (they are your employer and the company pays them). It was a temporary-to-hire job so if they liked me I could stay and work full time. I think I worked there for 2 months before my current position came along and I decided to quit instead of work at the hospital.

I think there are jobs that are short like you want, especially if you are skilled in bookkeeping, clerical or reception work. Lots of places need last minute people because they can't go without even for a day. I very much enjoyed the opportunity to temp and would recommend it (and Adecco) to anyone who is in between jobs or wants to get out of the house.

 

[ChibiJones]

At one point I looked into temp agencies. I asked about working a day here or there around the retail job I had at the time. I was told they don't book engagements like that.

It makes sense when you think about it. Most workplaces just deal with someone being out sick. It's not worth the time and investment to train someone just for a day or two. They were sending people to cover things like maternity leave or disability leave, to work on large, long-term projects, or to temp-to-hire positions.

The only exception I can think of would be subbing at the schools. Somebody has to be with the kids if a teacher gets sick.

Also, retail stores are starting to look, or will be shortly, for their seasonal holiday employees. I think our seasonal employees at my old job started early or mid-November to get some on-the-floor experience before dealing with the rush of impatient holiday shoppers. They finished up (the few that weren't carted off by security for stealing that is) in January when we had our inventory. Personally, unless I was desperate for the money, I wouldn't want to go through another Christmas in retail.

 

[C.Ann]

Thanks all! Sounds like the temp agencies would be able to fit the bill..

Now for the larger, nationwide ones - if I decided I want to work for a bit while I'm in Florida, would it help if I had already worked for one of those agencies up here? I'm still kicking around the idea of some sort of short term seasonal work at one of the parks down there, but want to explore all of my options..