Temporary workers come with an obvious stigma. There's this thought that rather than find a "real job," these temporary employees mozy from workplace to workplace, but I don't think that's true. I look at temping as the best way to make ends meet while still looking for that mythic "dream gig," and I myself am about to head down that path.For me, I've been on the freelance / temporary circuit this year, and while I'd absolutely love to find the ideal gig for myself, it's really difficult. You see, I sort of paint myself into an ideal-career corner, as I've got a very specific set of skills that aren't exactly in demand right now. (I'm a technology video producer, and I do a show called TechVi which is brilliant and amazing, but doesn't pay the bills.)
As the bills pile up, I've started to realize that relying on my sugar momma isn't going to cut it. TechVi doesn't exactly take up all of my time, but since I'm aiming to be an extremely credible journalist, I can't go the tried-and-true route of journos looking to jump ship and head to PR. That puts me square in the sights of temp agencies. Right now, I've started to check out some agencies in my area (New York) but am only in the beginning phases.
Seeing as how you, mythical reader, and I are going through pretty much the same thing, are there any pitfalls you watch out for when moving temp? Any resources you love? I'm going to be documenting the process thoroughly here on Emurse, so expect the resources to pile up as we go through this together.
Oh did I mention, I'm looking for work? Yeah, I know you are too, but there's gotta be someone out there looking for the smartest, most interesting yet-to-be-discovered technology writer of his generation, right?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Urban Interns says: (8:35AM on Jun 27th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
Take a look at Urban Interns. www.urbaninterns.comIt's an online marketplace that connects small business owners with people who are looking for p/t work and unpaid internships. Lots of great talent and interesting positions with cool small biz's. Premium Urban Interns have an opportunity to highlight themselves and get lots of eyes on their profiles. Check it out!
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Alex Rudloff says: (1:32PM on Jun 26th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
My guess is to do exactly what you're doing -- contact agencies and companies and friends and strangers and.. simply start getting the word out that you're looking for temp. work. Bust ass with any work that comes your way and try to get more and more of it, either leading to something full time or enough to keep you busy and pay the bills!
If anyone's wondering, Randall is simply amazing to work with. Check out techvi or some of his other projects around the web. Great stuff.
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Richard Dean says: (3:14PM on Jun 26th 2009) Vote Up Vote DownReport2/5
I think temp. workers are a good thing for the worker and the business. In all likelihood the temp work is helping the business out of a jam and the worker gets to earn some money. They fill a current need for the business and I think it can be as much of a trial for the business to find a "dream employee" as it can be for the worker to possibly find a "dream gig".
Like Alex said about, when you land a gig just try and nail it and be a team player and good things will happen.
Good luck!
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