Should Temporary Jobs be Rejected?

**Meya** · July 26th, 2012, 12:17 PM

Many of my readers know that I speak from the heart without embarrassment and I hope that my story will help the next person who is in the same position as me. I really need advice from those who may or may not encountered the same issues as myself. My question is, “Are temporary jobs worth the risk for those with extremely low income?” I have run into another stumbling block, which caused me to receive temporary assistance from the city and county of my state. Majority of my bills are reduced based upon my economic needs, which is crucial at this time. I have been searching for full time employment—since becoming a post graduate—and have been unsuccessful. As of yesterday, I had a job interview and was asked, “When can you start!” You should have seen the glow on my chocolate face; I felt an adrenaline rush and could have sworn my face was turning red.

During the interview, I was explained about the length of the job, pay rate, benefits, and duties. Immediately, I began thinking ahead of the game (forecasting). If I take this job I will be terminated from city and county assistance, which is my plan, and return to my normal working life but, what position will I be in when the job has finished? The job was full time, so I will not be able to attend potential interviews during normal business hours, but I am so desperate to return to work so that I can support my family and re-claim my credit background. If I can not find work after separating from the job, I have the option to apply for unemployment, which will be less than the income I receive from the city and county and reapplying is not an option until I have exhausted unemployment benefits. This situation will put my household into a serious situation that will lead into a disaster. Sadly, I turned the job down until I can find full time employment.

I know some may say, “Well at least you were offered employment” but it doesn’t work that way when you are in the situation I am in. I have been down this path before and pulled through like a champ in no time by using the same strategic plans I have now. This time it is much harder because I have fixed student loans that are included in my budget and our economy is not the same as it was in the early 2000’s. Of course my student loans are currently in forbearance until I find employment, but I need some type of employment security that will last a lot longer than four months. Luckily my husband will have my family secured with rent and utilities (which is expensive in my area) but we will struggle even harder.

FB fam, I really need your input on this situation as I always have in the past. It really hurts to be in this condition especially after obtaining my masters. I have been so discouraged from failing with employment searching, but I have yet to give up my faith. I have also gone against my professors and career counselors who have trained us to reject low paying jobs because we are worth more. Right about now, its not about what I am worth, I have to climb the ladder some where because I have no HR experience. I am sitting here thinking, are temporary jobs worth it when you are independently living on your own, set with the worst income anyone can imagine, but it prevents you from going into a homeless and starving situation? Or, did I make a bad decision? I need honest opinions without criticism, as we never know what lies ahead. Truthful answers may hurt some individuals but I use them as a gateway to success. Thanks in advance!

**SAR1954** · August 22nd, 2012, 06:34 AM

My thoughts, this is truly a matter of your individual family needs and a very difficult one to give advice on. You have to do what you feel is best for your family. Based on your situation, it’s hard to make a jump at temporary employment if there was not option in it ever becoming a permanent full time position. I know it’s challenging when you have a degree but can’t seem to find a job that fits your skill level. I have been on the end where I was the only one bringing in income for my family and it was very low but not low enough for assistance in that area we lived in, most days I don’t even know how we got through. My husband went without a job for 2 years, and this was about 7 years ago. Of course the economy has only gotten worse.

As you stated if you took the temp job, and were let go and had to re-apply for assistance it would be lower, and may take a couple of weeks, etc. I know getting it isn’t simple and fast. So, at that point not only are getting a lower amount of assistance, you may have a 2 week gap before getting anything. That can set things back even further.

I would say keep plugging away at getting a full time job that is not set up to be temporary, of course stay open minded to all possible jobs until you can get into the right position that really suites your abilities and skill/education level. Of course having a degree is important and can give you an advantage, but most of the time what gets you higher pay is the time put in and the experience level. Hang in there, your blessings will come! Best of luck to you and your family.

**Meya** · August 29th, 2012, 07:14 PM

Thanks so much for your input SAR1954 (and those who responded through personal messages

), I respect and appreciate every word you all provided.

Sar1954, I had the feeling rejection was going to happen the further I educated myself because Lord knows I have no type of experience in the HR field to begin with. What I was thinking, or should I say, what I had in mind was to start from an assistant manager position within a corporation and do two things, 1) climb up their corporate ladder and 2) Use it as a foundation to work my way into the big house.

As an update to this story, my friend who accepted the job called me Friday to let me know that it was over. Here is what kills me, the announcement for the job stated that it was to last for 4-6 months. She barely made two paychecks there. The only good thing she can say about it was that she did not have to beg from her parents and it made her go out and look for jobs more than ever. If I was living with my parents and had no responsibilities, then "YES" I would have taken the job. I just can't take chances on jobs that provide "so-called" employment deadlines. I would rather take a chance at being laid-off or fired.

Another good thing is that I have a funny feeling that I am going to make it through the selection process with my city and county transportation department. I have passed all phases so far and the remaining consists of very easy steps, which are drug and criminal background tests. I know I am all good in that department.

The pay is fair and they have excellent potential growth within the company. I can see myself in their HR department, we are talking six figures. I think Mike will have to add some smiley's that jump over bridges with joy

.

**SAR1954** · August 29th, 2012, 07:25 PM

Wow, just a few paychecks, that didnt even qualify to be called Temporary... It's a good thing you didnt take it. Best of luck on the current opportunity, it sounds like its something you would be more happy with.