Being a Temp has been an eye opening experience for me. It is difficult for a person like me that has to have "boundaries". I like knowing I am secure. Grant it no job is completely secure today. It use to be, at least in the job market I am in, unless you screwed up, you were safe. Come in, work, give the employer what is expected of you and you can keep coming back.
Today, because of the economy, sneaky political tactics, or supply & demand, jobs are so much more dispensable. I never thought I would "sign up" for a Temporary position.
I have been a Temp, or as my place of employment prefers to call us, "Contractor", for ten months now.
I have met some pretty amazing people and some pretty flaky people. We come from different backgrounds, we have different expectations. The majority, unlike myself, feel this is just a stepping stone. A job while they finish getting their MBA, or till something better comes along. I completely respect that. Most are young and have the world at their beckon call.
I, on the other hand, have been blessed with some wonderful careers. Have had some great accomplishments. And can happily call myself a Jack of all trades. Today, my expectations for a job are much different than when I was younger. Today, all I ask, is a safe environment, a decent pay with a consistent paycheck. And hours I can live with. Give me this for the next 10 years, and I can happily retire.
Temp friends I hope are anything but temporary friends. Already we have lost a few and sadly although promised, we do not stay in touch. Life goes on. New office friends, etc. Which is fine. I have met a few though, that I would be very disappointed to have lost touch with. (you know who you are!). I have lovingly been dubbed the "Office Mom". Not just because I am old enough to be Mom to several of them. But, because I care. I have a reputation of making sure everyone is okay, needs are meet, advice is given, and hugs are always available. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to become friends with these co-workers. I know that I have learned through them, and appreciate that they have become a part of my life. To get along and know someone has your back.
Today, being a Temp isn't the same as it was twenty years ago. Temps back then typically worked temporary positions because they enjoyed working for a couple of weeks/months covering a maternity leave or vacationing regular employee. You "wanted" to work, now and then, and not be committed to a "regular" shift kind of job.
For me, I keep hoping my temp position will turn into a permanent one. Or lead me to one in this corporation.
