Stuffing up temp job . . . argh!

[user1493423934]

Finally landed a decent temp job after being SAHM for 8 years. Great. Did a lot of temping in my 20s so used to it.
Except . . . Oh my god. It is so full on and I feel I've bitten off more than I can chew. Assisting an extremely busy woman in a very unwelcome office. It is for a project (no one else but me assisting her) and I can't describe it, I have made a couple of really bad stuff ups. Feel so ashamed. Took ages to figure out printing/photocopying, after which I nearly rang the agency and said 'Help! get me out of here!' I am only on my second day and meant to be there for 3 weeks - I know I can't leave as my mum/friends were so happy I landed it and are helping me with childcare (single mum). Um has this happened to anybody else? does it get better? I really need the experience to get a decent job.

Stick at it, you'll be fine. After 8 years everything is going to feel different, and it sounds like you've got a shit first job. But it's only 3 weeks.
You can do it.

You will get a better job next time. Congrats. Double check things if you're not sure so no more mistakes. Nearly the weekend.

Yes, it will get better! You've been out of the workplace for a while so things will seem very different. Use this as an opportunity to refresh your skills.
Please don't give up!

I used to temp and had one job that was really not meant for me! I was a PA to two senior managers, one of whom was a perfectionist and criticised everything I did. At one point I had to deliver heavy equipment around the building (in retrospect I should have found out if a porter could help me but at the time I just struggled round really clumsily making multiple trips!!). I actually did quit after a week - I just told them I didn’t think I was a good match for the role. As it’s only three weeks you could try your best to stick it out but if it’s really not working for you, just politely explain you don’t think you’re a good fit. No shame in that if you’ve given it a go.

Cut yourself some slack, it’s day 2! You will very quickly get the hang of it. Don’t be scared to ask to be shown how to do something if you don’t know, stay calm and you will be fine.

It's only 3 weeks, hang in there as it will be great experience and will hopefully help you get something much nicer next time. Hang in there!

(If you do leave, try to get back on the horse quick with a new role! Lots of temp jobs are great.)

I’ve not long started a new job and day 2 was the worst. I came from another job but you’d think I’d never used a computer before! I put it down to having so much on I couldn’t do the simple things. It finally did sink in but I certainly didn’t feel like I was impressive.
Give it another couple of days. And at least you’ve got the printer photocopier sussed now .

You’re doing fine. I really admire people that get back into work after so long; and Temping really is diving in at the deep end as you usually need to get stuck in from day 1. With permanent roles you tend to have a bit easier time of it with inductions/ IT wrangling so getting into the swing of things is a bit more gentle!

Sounds like they’re a bit crap but i’d really try and grit your teeth through this placement - if nothing else, hopefully you’ll shake out all the cobwebs and the slip ups through this one and it means the next one will come much more easily!

Thanks for all your replies! The woman is I think a little abrupt by nature and a little short when I made a mistake and she asked why . . .she is also under massive pressure (its to do with a court case and she's stressed everything has to be absolutely correct otherwise it'll have serious legal implications), so I totally get it.
Just struggling a bit! and really worried they'll fire me! first job for the agency so don't want to get blacklisted! The workplace is quite unfriendly, no other temps to talk to, or anyone really. I don't mind, but really feel I'm out of my depth. If I leave I'll also prove my ex right that I'm 'too stupid and lazy to get a decent job.'

Hang on in there and go easy on yourself. They are more likely to think “it’s only three weeks” rather than get shot of you if you are courteous and hard working and apologise for any mistakes so don’t worry about that. Do tell the boss that you appreciate the pressure, the need for accuracy etc and you are there to help. Good on you for diving back in at the deep end. Give yourself a big pat on the back. By week two you’ll be breezing it in comparison to day 2. Because you are conscientious and you can work things out (printing) you are, IMHO, very likely to do a great job when you find your feet. Good luck!

As a pp said, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification on how to do things. Most new starters in a job are expected to need training; as a temp employers tend to forget the training bit! Maybe phrase it in a way that indicates you’re aware of the requirements? “I appreciate how important accuracy is and want to get this right to support you. Could you just go over with me how to [whatever the task is]?”
Stick with it. You’re not lazy or stupid. Temping after a break is incredibly brave. Good luck.

Stick at it and well done for getting a job even though it's temporary. My friend uses this agency for family friendly jobs, have a look & see if anything takes your fancy.

www.ten2two.org

I sympathise, I went back into an "office enviroment" after a break of 18 years, after working in retail, I spent every day with my heart in my mouth (also a legal enviroment, so things had to be right) not helped by working with a team of youngsters, who had little patience for someone new who was older.
I survived, you will too!
PS within a couple of years I was promoted!

Aww thanks again. Starting to get nervous about tomorrow . . . needing to do a lot more technical stuff and I have a cold.
But yay to 4 day weekend!
The recruitment consultant texted me to see how it is going and I replied it was challenging but that I was enjoying it.
Thanks once again . . . so good to hear positive stuff. Hopefully have a more positive update tomorrow!

Today was marginally better. 3 days down . . . 1/5 of the way through!

That’s great, OP! You’ll go into the next placement with much more confidence, i’m sure :)

That's the beauty of temping - you can "try before you buy" so to speak.
I've temped when I've lost a job and didn't know what I wanted to do next. So far I have worked in a school, in an insurance company, for a local newspaper to name a few.

Stick at it, no matter how bad it is because you need the experience. And it's only for a few weeks when you think about that in the bigger picture it's such a tiny timeframe you can do it you can do anything for a few weeks.
And stop worrying!!
if the woman hasn't complained and agency hasn't sacked you, then you can't be doing that bad!

God . . . getting a bit full on now. . . but 2/3 the way through! yay!

Great work! Just think of all the valuable experience you are gaining, and hopefully this will be a good springboard onwards!

Happy to see it's beginning to be a bit more familiar! Congratulations on your job ☺️