The Disadvantages of a Temporary Work Assignment

A temporary work assignment won't always result in your getting hired.

Becoming a temporary employee can provide you with income and steady work for a designated period of time. Many people take on temporary work assignments as a way to get inside companies that they may eventually want to work for on a permanent basis. While there are advantages to working temporary assignments, temporary employees do suffer some distinct disadvantages.

Low Pay and No Benefits

As a temporary employee, you will be working alongside permanent employees, possibly performing the same work at a lower rate of pay. Even if you have previous experience, your expertise will have little or no affect on your pay, as your hourly pay rate will already be set. Your working hours may fluctuate each week depending on the workload. As a temporary employee, you also won't be eligible to receive any company perks and benefits, such as health and retirement plans, paid holidays, and vacation or sick time. If you must take time off from work for any reason, you won't get paid for your time off unless you make up the missed time.

Steep Learning Curves

Temporary employees may find themselves working for several different companies within the same year. Depending on the length of your assignments, you may be exposed to various companies and their environments. You may have to work harder than regular employees to gain their respect and show that you're a competent member of their team. Some people assume that temporary employees aren't as qualified as regular employees and don't deserve the same opportunities. You'll have to learn how to work with a different supervisor each time you're sent on a new work assignment, as well as what it will take to succeed in each position.

Few Rights

You may be on a temporary work assignment for a lengthy period of time and enjoy working for the company and its employees. Just because you've been completing all of your tasks and your employer can see how competent you are, your work assignment can end at any time. As a temporary employee, you don't have any rights if the company decides to end your assignment early. Companies can and do end temporary work assignments for any reason; they don't have to give cause or let you know in advance that your work will be ending.

References

• Political Job Hunt: Taking a Temporary Assignment -- Pros and Cons
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Services