Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

So I’ve had enough of a blow to my ego that I need a little advice. Let me start by telling you why:

I have been working as a temp, at a company I really like, for the last 7 months. I don’t have a lot of experience in this field, which is part of why I feel like this job is going to look really good on my resume.

After a few months of working for them, I asked if I could be hired outside of the staffing agency, since they are paid with funds that could be allocated to me. My boss was extremely sweet and rattled off some excuses; they can’t hire me until I’ve worked for them longer than three months, they’re in a hiring freeze… you know the drill. Well, I didn’t want to push the issue, so I just let it be.

But when I came back from a few days off for having contracted what could only be described as the most horrific head cold ever, there were at least three new hires!

Now I am worried. I feel like I need to step up my game, but I also feel like perhaps they just aren’t interested in hiring me as a full-time employee. However, three other people here said they worked as temps for a year here before getting hired full-time. Furthermore, another temp has already come and gone whilst I was here. So I feel like I must be doing something right.

Anyway, after a bit of searching, I found this article that highlights tips on how to get a promotion. The article brings up several suggestions that I already strive to practice, but I know I’m not a perfect employee, so there are some I should work on.

But in terms of this job that I’ve already held for seven months as a temp, do you think it would be better to stay and hope for the full-time position after a year?

Or, do you think it would be better to cut my losses and apply for a full-time position in the city I would like to move to, while this one is still on good standing for my resume?

As per usual, any and all responses will be appreciated

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Hi BridgeLL,

This is my first response to a post on here so bare with me!  Hopefully I have some helpful advice.

About 10 years ago I was in a very similar situation.  I had been working for a company in an "acting" position where they were actually paying me a lot less than what the position should have been paid.  I got the same lip service that you did for quite some time everything from "Don't worry, you will get a raise" or "Don't worry we will give you a bonus to make up the difference".

Well, that went on for about 10 months.  I was young and naive.  I came to the same situation that it sounds like you're in and to be put it short I ended up leaving a couple of months after.

What I did was hang out to your existing job.  Start looking around and see what's out there, get that resume out!  I know the economy sucks right now but you might as well try you never know.

One of three things will end up happening:

1. Your current employer comes through and you get full time status.

2. Another company offers you a full time job.

3. You get an offer and use it as leverage against your current employer.  That will tell you everything you need to know about the employer.

My story ended with the 3rd situation.  I presented them an offer I got and they said "we'll see what we can do".  But I gave them an ultimatum of 1-week to make something happen or I accepted the job, which I did.

That changed the path of my career for the rest of my life to where it led me to start my own business.

Hopefully that either inspires or helps you out.  Best of luck.

-D

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