Linda writes:
I have a full-time position for which I make a decent salary. The work is not personally fulfilling, and I am ready to upgrade (and update) my skills, perhaps working part-time until I really find something satisfying. Is it REALLY possible to work temporary jobs and maintain a flexible schedule and fairly reliable income? I’m ready to give notice with my current employer.
The Career Doctor responds:
In good or decent economies, yes, it is often possible to work temporary jobs based on your schedule and preference — assuming you have the skills and experience in demand. However, in times of economic uncertainty as we are currently experiencing, temporary agencies are facing a situation of having too few clients interested in hiring temps and lots of people who want to find temping positions.
My best advice to you is to do nothing to jeopardize your current job. Instead, develop a strategy and timeline for making the switch. Consult with one of more temporary agencies — ones that specialize in your area of expertise or in your geographic location. Until you get a sense from these contacts that there will be numerous opportunities for you, I would stay put with your current employer.
By the way, temping is also a great way to experience different types of work and work environments — and an interesting way of trying to find work that is fulfilling, that you can be passionate about.
Finally, before making the move from full-time employment to temping, be sure you also have a good grasp on the pros and cons of temping. It may not be quite what you think.
You can read a number of great articles, find other great resources and tools, and locate temporary employment agencies in this section of Quintessential Careers: Temping Resources.
