Temporary to permanent employment, would you do this?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 14:38:12 -0500

If you had just received a call from a staffing agency about a position that is considered temporary but may convert to a permanent position with that company, would you take it?
If I was unemployed, I would take the chance with a temp to perm position. However, if I'm currently employed, but I'm looking at a new job, I would not accept it.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 13 at 2014 4:49 PM

SFC James Baber — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 16:49:04 -0500

If it was a strong possibility of leading to a permanent job, I would jump on it in a heartbeat, but if it was something that may end in just a few months and would not afford me the opportunity to continue to look for a fulltime permanent position I would have to think real hard on it and possibly reject it.

But that is just my 2 cents worth, thanks.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2014 11:34 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 11:34:09 -0400

I recently found this article on how temporary work has become an American way of life.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101597957

For many Americans, 'temp' work becomes permanent way of life

For Americans who can’t find jobs, the booming demand for temp workers has been a path out of unemployment, but now many fear it’s a dead-end route.

Response by CPT Brandon Christensen made Apr 22 at 2014 2:21 PM

CPT Brandon Christensen — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 14:21:56 -0400

This is exactly what I do right now. Have been since September 2013. I go from contract to contract. My last contract was only 2 months, and this one is 6 months. I love it as you get paid a lot more than working straight with the company, but then you could be unemployed when the contract ends. Plus getting paid weekly does help. There are even a few contract positions that last for a couple years. It mostly depends on your lifestyle.

Ideally I would love to be employed with a company for permanent, but I will take what I can in this market.

Response by TSgt Scott Hurley made Apr 22 at 2014 2:55 PM

TSgt Scott Hurley — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 14:55:49 -0400

Tried it and failed. The employment agency I went with, never found me anything. I was even calling every week. But nothing. They had nothing for me. And I even said I could do anything, and I gave them my Resume. And still nothing. It really depends on the agency and what they get for jobs that need to be filled too. In a state like CT, it really is a crap shoot. And I seem to be getting snake eyes all the time.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2014 1:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 13:20:17 -0400

The RallyPoint population has grown since I last posted this, therefore I'd like to see what the newer members have to say about this.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 3 at 2014 1:43 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 13:43:28 -0400

In the company I have been with for the past 14 years, we have hired temporary employees as permanent employees in many, many instances. In fact, I would estimate that over 90% of our temps were eventually hired as permanent employees.

Bringing in a temp allows us to evaluate that person's performance. As jobs become available, that person has an advantage over other applicants in that we know him/her, he/she knows us and what we do, and the transition is much easier.

One has to weigh the pros and cons involved in leaving a permanent job to accept a temporary position with another company. For those who have done it with our company, it has paid off.