Careers Toolkit

Temping offers a realistic alternative to permanent work and offers many benefits. If you're wondering why you should become a temporary worker, read on.

Being a temporary worker gives you the ability to try new things, decide what you like and dislike and to define your strengths and weaknesses. It's a fantastic way to gain experience, providing an opportunity to develop new skills and enhance your CV and also gives you the opportunity to meet new people and learn about new industries, management styles and work cultures. 

Temporary work isn't just for those building their experience. Being a temporary worker, you get more control over your working life and allows you to choose when you work, for whom and for how long. It is also an ideal way to get your foot in the door of a company you are considering working for on a more permanent basis, as it is easier to learn about a company, its culture and the opportunities that may exist there from an insider's point of view, and also gives the employer chance to assess your suitability for a position before offering you a permanent position. 

While there are many benefits of temporary working, it's important you also assess some of the potential disadvantages before making the move. These can include:

• Temp jobs can often be short-term and may not offer job security
• The work may not be exciting, depending on why the employer has chosen to engage temporary workers
• You may not always feel like part of the wider team
• Temp jobs may offer lower pay

Like with any job move, there are risks and rewards, so it is important that you weigh up both the potential positives and potential disadvantages of engaging in temporary work to ensure that it is the right move for you.