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Why Temp Work Can Be a Smart Career Move

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Sep 11, 2024

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving job market, many professionals are turning to temporary positions for a variety of reasons. While the idea of temporary work might initially seem like a stopgap solution or a last resort, it comes with a host of benefits that can positively impact your career and personal life.

Here’s a closer look at why temp work might just be one of the smartest moves you can make.

Flexibility and work-life balance
Unlike traditional full-time positions with rigid schedules, temp jobs often come with the freedom to choose when and how much you work. This flexibility can be especially valuable for those who are balancing other commitments, such as family responsibilities, further education, or personal projects. For instance, you can opt for short-term assignments to fit around your other activities, helping you maintain a healthier work-life balance.

Diverse experience and skill development
Short term temp assignments allow you to try new industries and roles without having to commit to them full time. Many of our temps will work for us time and time again and can easily transfer their skills from one sector to another. Each new role presents a chance to learn new technologies, processes, and best practices, enabling you to go into a permanent search armed with greater knowledge, skills and experience.

Networking opportunities
Temp work can be a fantastic way to expand your professional network. Each assignment introduces you to new colleagues, managers, and industry professionals, which can open doors for future opportunities. Building relationships within different companies can lead to valuable connections and potential job offers down the line. Additionally, temp roles often involve working with staffing agencies that have extensive networks and can assist in finding future positions that align with your career goals. You never know where a temp booking can lead!

Exploring career paths
If you’re unsure about your long-term career goals or considering a career change, temporary work provides a low-risk way to explore different fields and roles. By taking on various temporary assignments, you can gain insight into different industries and job functions, helping you make more informed decisions about your future career path. This hands-on experience can be particularly useful in clarifying what you enjoy and what you don’t, guiding you toward a more fulfilling and aligned career direction.

Quick access to work
For those who are currently unemployed or looking to re-enter the workforce, temporary positions offer a faster way to start earning income and gain work experience. Our temp bookings tend to be last minute so candidates who are available immediately are very attractive to our clients needing urgent cover. Temp roles can also serve as a bridge between jobs or a means to build a resume while searching for a permanent position. They often have shorter hiring processes compared to full-time positions, allowing you to quickly secure employment.

Travel opportunities
Rural and labour-style jobs aren’t the only option for travellers visiting Australia with working holiday visas – office jobs are a safe and secure option to know you have a steady income close to amenities while getting to experience living in a great city like Adelaide! Temping is also a good option for people who have relocated from interstate to network, gain experience and earn money while you figure out your next career move locally.

Opportunities to go permanent
Contrary to popular belief, temporary positions can sometimes lead to permanent job offers. Many companies use temp roles as a trial period to evaluate a worker’s fit for a permanent position. If you perform well and fit well with the team and company culture, you might be offered a full-time role once the temporary assignment ends. This can be a great way to transition into a permanent position without going through a lengthy application and interview process.

Earn money quickly
It can be daunting to find yourself out of work and one of the benefits of temporary positions is that you can start earning money again quickly. Temp work can provide financial stability without long-term commitment. If you’re in a situation where you need to secure immediate income but don’t want to commit to a long-term position, temporary jobs can be an ideal solution. Additionally, many temp positions offer competitive wages and benefits, providing a financial cushion while you explore other career opportunities.


Being a temp worker might not be the conventional career path, but embracing the advantages of temp work can lead to a more fulfilling and dynamic career journey.

At Edge Recruitment, our temps are always in demand due to their specialised knowledge and experience across property, real estate and general administration in these areas:

  • Residential, commercial and retail property management
  • Administrative, secretarial and accounts
  • Community housing
  • Facilities management and asset management
  • Building and construction
  • Local and state Government
  • Executive-level roles

If the idea of temping in any of these areas is of interest to you, or if you would like to know more, get in touch with our temp specialists Taryn Widdows (Government, Professional & Business Services) and Mary-Jane Massicci (Real Estate).

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