Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Office temp?

29 replies

CellarDoreen · 09/01/2023 18:43

I quit my job (in a school) today and I don't have anything else lined up 😬. I'm planning to have a total rethink and live very frugally while I do that (yes, I can afford this for a while).

Anyone else?

I feel a mixture of elation and anxiety btw and wanted to share my news!

OP posts:
Original poster
CellarDoreen · 09/01/2023 18:49

Oh FGS

And the title was because I was going to ask about office temping, but then changed my mind and didn't change the title 🤦🏼‍♀️

OP posts:
makingarunforit · 09/01/2023 18:54

Does office temping still exist?

Original poster
CellarDoreen · 09/01/2023 18:57

makingarunforit · 09/01/2023 18:54

Does office temping still exist?

That was what I was going to ask 😂

OP posts:
ICanHideButICantRun · 09/01/2023 18:58

I used to love temping!

purpledalmation · 09/01/2023 18:59

Worked as an office temp years ago, no idea if its still a thing. Enjoyed it though, but ultimately a lonely job.

Original poster
CellarDoreen · 09/01/2023 19:02

I remember doing it as a means to get some experience which I (clearly) am going to need seeing as I don't even know if office temping still exists!

OP posts:
Jumbojem · 09/01/2023 19:03

I clicked on the thread to find out if it was about temp office work (which I also used to do and wondered if it still existed). Or, if it was the temperature in the office. When I read you'd quit I thought it was an extreme reaction to the temperature!
I hope you find something you enjoy more OP, good luck!

makingarunforit · 09/01/2023 19:04

I think you might be disappointed.

There are very few admin jobs these days. Unless you work for the Council very few letters are sent out or envelopes stuffed.

Any temp jobs that do exist seem to want experience to look after multiple directors and expect you to hit the ground running so if you have zero experience you're not going to get a look in.

Original poster
CellarDoreen · 09/01/2023 19:05

Jumbojem · 09/01/2023 19:03

I clicked on the thread to find out if it was about temp office work (which I also used to do and wondered if it still existed). Or, if it was the temperature in the office. When I read you'd quit I thought it was an extreme reaction to the temperature!
I hope you find something you enjoy more OP, good luck!

😂😂 ok...no, it definitely wasn't the temperature (although all the outdoor pe lessons and playground duties are a very small inconvenience to add to the other things I don't like about my job)

OP posts:
Original poster
CellarDoreen · 09/01/2023 19:07

Thanks @makingarunforit. I don't have no experience, but it is probably a bit out of date. Last time I was a full time office worker was 2015!

I have seen a few temp reception jobs which I'm sure I could do, but convincing someone else of that is the tricky part.

OP posts:
Singleandproud · 09/01/2023 19:11

Look at the Environment Agency, lots and lots of jobs coming up, some of them hybrid admin jobs. I started last week and have met 4 other people who were also ex teachers or school support and wanted a better work-life balance. Lots of training and progression both upwards and sideways.

Original poster
CellarDoreen · 09/01/2023 19:12

Thank you @Singleandproud. I will definitely look into that

OP posts:
Singleandproud · 09/01/2023 19:15

@CellarDoreen the recruitment process took quite a long time, as most government civil service type jobs do as they use the same systems but so far I can say the wait was totally worth it.

Original poster
CellarDoreen · 09/01/2023 19:18

Ok, thank you. Reassuring to read there is life after school jobs!

OP posts:
katystar · 09/01/2023 19:22

I’m temping after a school office job for similar reasons, it’s technically data inputting but is easy, good pay and flexible hours from home so my contract is 16hours I normally work 20-24 depending on what needs doing and start at 5am when DH gets up for work and finish at 10am most days. So there are jobs out there

Mary46 · 09/01/2023 19:22

Hi op I temped for around two years. Its fine had steady work. Few very junior crappy things too photocopying etc! Just be clear what roles u looking for

TheresNothingIWantMore · 09/01/2023 19:24

We've gotten temps in fairly recently to cover someones maternity leave, so it's still a thing even if not as common as it once was

cashmerecardigans · 09/01/2023 19:26

A lot of universities use Unitemps to hire temp staff. You don't need to be a student to register. It can be a great way in

harktheherold · 09/01/2023 19:55

Yes temps (or consultants) are still used to cover staffing gaps eg mat leave or when awaiting a full-time hire. Or to bring in expertise/resource for discrete/shorter-term projects.

But yeah I can imagine that the filing and photography gigs of yore are dying out.

Have you thought of speaking with a recruiter or agency?

Original poster
CellarDoreen · 09/01/2023 20:37

Thanks all. Yes, I'll probably get in touch with some recruitment agencies soon. I won't leave my current job immediately obviously, so will try and arrange some interviews etc in the meantime.

OP posts:
Original poster
CellarDoreen · 09/01/2023 20:42

Thanks all.

I've been trying to post to say thanks for your comments, but it keeps timing out. So apologies if I end up posting about 35 times.

I will try and speak to some agencies before my notice runs out

OP posts:
thenewaveragebear1983 · 09/01/2023 20:44

Are you me?
I left my school admin job in October because I had been doing 2 peoples full time jobs for 7 months….

I start my first temping on Wednesday, although I didn’t really look for anything until December, had to get dbs sorted etc.

The jobs market is hard though, I warn you now. I have applied for maybe 30 posts now, I have had 2nd stage requests for 2 or 3 and I’m still not getting anywhere…

I will look at the environment agency though, that sounds good!

thenewaveragebear1983 · 09/01/2023 20:45

Are you me?
I left my school admin job in October because I had been doing 2 peoples full time jobs for 7 months….

I start my first temping on Wednesday, although I didn’t really look for anything until December, had to get dbs sorted etc.

The jobs market is hard though, I warn you now. I have applied for maybe 30 posts now, I have had 2nd stage requests for 2 or 3 and I’m still not getting anywhere…

I will look at the environment agency though, that sounds good!

thenewaveragebear1983 · 09/01/2023 20:49

Are you me?
I left my school admin job in October because I had been doing 2 peoples full time jobs for 7 months….

I start my first temping on Wednesday, although I didn’t really look for anything until December, had to get dbs sorted etc.

The jobs market is hard though, I warn you now. I have applied for maybe 30 posts now, I have had 2nd stage requests for 2 or 3 and I’m still not getting anywhere…

I will look at the environment agency though, that sounds good!

Original poster
CellarDoreen · 09/01/2023 21:06

Thanks all

Yes, I'll try and contact some agencies before my notice runs out

OP posts: