Many professionals choose temporary work over a traditional full-time job at some time in their career. If you’re thinking about going this route, it’s important to understand what it really means to be a temp in New Zealand.
The main difference between temps and regular employees is how they work with a company. Employees are there for the long haul, while temps come in for short stints or specific projects. This could be to help during busy times, cover for someone on leave, or work on a particular task.
As a temp with Crescent Consulting, you’re technically our employee. You’ll work at our client’s office under their supervision but we handle your pay, negotiate how long you’ll be there and approve time off.
It’s important to note that temping isn’t the same as contracting. Contractors work for themselves and bill us for their time, taking care of their own taxes and ACC levies. As a temp, you’re employed by us. We take care of your PAYE tax, and you get holiday pay, sick leave, and statutory holidays (with some conditions).
Why Choose Temping?
Flexibility and Variety: The biggest draw of temping is the flexibility. Whether you’re new to working in New Zealand, a student or recent grad gaining experience, coming back to work after a break, or thinking about changing careers, temping lets you try out different jobs without committing long-term. It’s a great way to figure out what you really want to do.
Experience: Temping exposes you to different workplaces and ways of doing things. This variety can be really valuable for your future career, helping you build a wide range of skills and learn to adapt quickly. These are big plusses in today’s job market.
Networking: As a temp, you’ll move from job to job, meeting lots of people along the way. These connections can lead to future opportunities and even full-time job offers. Each assignment is a chance to expand your professional network in ways you might not get in a permanent role.
The Downsides of Temping
While temping has its perks, it’s not all smooth sailing:
Job Insecurity: Temping can be unpredictable since assignments are often short-term. This lack of stability can be tough if you prefer a steady income and long-term job security. You need to be okay with uncertainty and quick to adapt to new environments.
Irregular Income: The varying lengths of assignments can make it hard to budget and plan your finances. You’ll need to be good at managing your money and planning ahead.
Things to Think About Before You Start
Financial Prep: Make sure you have some savings to cover times between assignments. This safety net will give you peace of mind and let you be pickier about the jobs you take.
Market Research: Look into the demand for your skills in the current job market. This will help you figure out how easy it’ll be to find temp work. Focus on areas where your skills are most needed to make your job search more effective.
Negotiating Pay: Decide what rates you want to earn based on your skills, experience, what’s standard in your industry, and your living costs. Remember, your rate should reflect both your abilities and the temporary nature of the work. Try to strike a balance between valuing yourself and staying competitive.
Temping offers exciting opportunities, but it also comes with challenges. Before you decide to temp, make sure you understand what you’re getting into. The flexibility and variety are great, but the lack of job security is something to think about seriously.
Like any big career move, doing your homework and planning your finances will set you up for success. If you want to talk about current opportunities, get in touch with one of our consultants. We might not have something for you right now but we can keep your CV on file and contact you if a suitable role comes up.
Remember, temping can be a stepping stone to new opportunities, a way to gain diverse experience, or simply a flexible work option that fits your lifestyle. Whatever your reasons for considering temping, Crescent Consulting is here to help. We’re not just about finding you work; we’re about finding the right fit for your skills, goals, and lifestyle.
Here are some additional resources that may be of interest:
Contracting – here’s what you need to know
Frequently Asked Questions for Temps and Contractors