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The temps and former temporary workers we talked to listed these pros and cons of temping for a living:
| Pros of Temping | Cons of Temping |
| Variety. | Occasionally treated as second-class employee; not treated the same as others in same job. |
| Exposure to new skills. | You are not a real worker -- not part of the company. You sit work there, but you are not part of any group. |
| Broad experience. | Having to leave a job right after you get to really know the others you are working with. |
| Exposure to different industries. | Lack of respect. |
| Meeting a vast array of people. | Extremely boring work that no one else wants to do. |
| Working with with various level of management. | Takes a long time to become eligible for benefits. |
| Learning about many different businesses and how different offices organize their files and duties regarding business procedures and policies. | Sometimes thrown into work situations without guidance or clear instructions on what needs to be done. |
| Ease of introduction to respected companies. | Fear and trepidation upon the first day of temping. |
| Working in some prestigious companies. | Uncertainty of consistent work. |
| Work only when you want; good for meeting sporadic money needs or in between jobs. | Insecurity of employment. |
| "Have learned more than any classroom can teach." | You are dispensable. |
| Your work is not important. |
-- Thanks to the temps and former temps who shared their pros and cons: Cynthia Cebuhar, Karen Hartman, Cecilia Hittle, Devorah Shoal, and Jacquelyn Ormsbee.
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