Going for a Test Drive?

Off the beaten path

In today’s muddled job market, it’s very wise to keep your options open and to explore all possibilities. The 21st Century job market dictates that you can’t assume that you will necessarily find “conventional” employment.

And what is “conventional” employment? It’s probably what you’ve been doing for the past few decades. Monday through Friday. Standard time (i.e. 9-to-5, or something similar). Traditional benefits. Steady advancement. Regular paycheck.

Whatever road will get you there

Oh, and wouldn’t you be fortunate to land such a position? And, if you do, you probably will be the exception, not the rule. Or, you may not follow a traditional path to secure that position.

Today, there is one old adage that rings true: when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.

Today’s successful job seekers look everywhere and consider anything and everything. Gone are the days when people looked down their noses at jobs at the non-profit sector, or part-time employment, or working as a temp. In addition, many surveys show that entrepreneurship among older workers is exploding in popularity. Others prefer working two or three part-time positions.

Interestingly, some people actually pursue careers as permanent temps. Work at one job for 30, or 60, or 90 days; leave and go somewhere else for another 30-60-90 days — perhaps with time off in between.

Of course, working as a temp offers many benefits. One, you’re working. Prospective employers usually prefer candidates with jobs as opposed to those without. Working as a temp can provide opportunities to upgrade or to maintain your skills. Then, there’s the networking component. The people you meet working may provide inroads into other possibilities.

Working as a temp also may be a good strategy even if you don’t wish to pursue temp work as a lifestyle. Some industry insiders claim that as many as 62 percent of all temporary workers end up getting hired by that employer for a full-time position. How better to impress a potential employer than by actually working there? “Try before you buy” is the concept that works in five out of eight times.

And, obviously for a lot people, it seems to work. Which would explain why there are agencies that do nothing but place temporary workers. Maybe they should be on your contact list.

More tips.