Twice a week we publish problems that will feature in a forthcoming Dear Jeremy advice column in the Saturday Guardian so that readers can offer their own advice and suggestions. We then print the best of your comments alongside Jeremy’s own insights. Here is the latest dilemma – what are your thoughts?
My university careers service told me before I graduated in 2008 that the best way to gain enough experience to get a permanent job was to take on temporary work. Since then, that’s what I’ve been doing. I am beginning to lose track of the half-decade of temp work I’ve had, all over local councils and varying public service administration. Last year I was lucky enough to be sent on a post that has lasted for more than a year – but they’re kicking me out at Christmas.
Now I’m finding that temporary experience is worth nothing to employers. Everyone dismisses my applications with the message that, in their eyes, I’ve never worked. My entire CV is basically rotten to them.
I’m fed up with temping. People are friendly but I’m forever reminded I’m not one of them – not allowed to help on events, not given training, nor initiatives, nor bonuses. I’ve been let go several times for getting a cold in winter. I don’t get references, which is another hindrance to finding a proper job. Temp-to-permanent does not exist anymore; the agencies are vicious; my years of experience are worthless; and my Christmas present this year is unemployment again.
Is there anything I can do with my temping history when only permanent will do?
• Jeremy’s advice – and the pick of reader suggestions – will appear in the 3 January 2015 edition of the Guardian
Do you need advice on a work issue? For Jeremy’s and readers’ help, send a brief email to dear.jeremy@theguardian.com. Please note that he is unable to answer questions of a legal nature or to reply personally.
