I’m currently on the prowl for temping jobs at a menial, tedious, mindnumbing level: anything that pays. The agencies that one has to go to and talk to are the most tedious manifestation of this exercise. i-resign.com has a great analysis of the culture and approach one really should take when dealing with them, if only to protect ones own sanity and sanctity.

Always remember that no matter how much of an imbecile they’re treating you, they’re doing this on their own time, and you are getting paid for it. Once the introductions (if any) are over, you will be left to do what you are being paid to do. At this point it is worth remembering the temp worker’s motto “You can pay for my time, but my soul is mine”. I personally have an amendment to that, namely “You can pay for my time, but if you expect me to do a proper job, you’re sorely mistaken”. The level of gusto you inject into carrying out your temporary duties is a matter for your own conscience though. When the job starts to get to you (and it will, regardless of the Protestant – or any other – work ethic you may possess) learning defensive skills is vital.

Let’s say you have managed to secure a temp job in a call centre (this was becoming more and more common, until the suits discovered labour is cheaper in third world countries) and your mind is slowly but surely turning to jelly. What can you do? Well you can always play with the telephone. If you choose to work through lunch (and temps can) you’ll have access to the wonderful world of telephony. Never make telephone calls from your own phone (they will be logged) but what about the boss’s phone, the one sitting neglected in their office. Doesn’t it look lonely? You could always go and cheer it up.

I-resign.com – Getting the most from Temp jobs

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