*Tank I need your advice please*

[guenevere]

Tank,

I need your advice about a temping situation I'm in. I figure you're the person to ask since that was your last job.

I got in with a temp agency, and they placed me at a company. I was told the job would be office work -- computer "projects" and other things of that nature.
Well what I do is nothing like what the company told the temp place.
This is my week for the past 3 or so months. I am not making this up. By the time I leave it will be 4 long months of this.

Monday - Sort a 2-3 foot pile of papers for 7.5 hrs. Put that huge neverending pile in NUMERICAL ORDER.

Tuesday - File those papers for 7.5 hrs
Wed. - File papers 7.5 hrs
Thursday -File papers 7.5 hrs
Friday - File more papers 7.5 hours and if I'm lucky I get to sort the next load to get a head start on Monday

The next week: The whole thing all over again as it is a neverending task.

I do this, only this, ALL DAY LONG except for my 30 min lunch break.
I thought I'd be doing a variety tasks eventually so I waited it out.... still nothing. I've asked when I will be doing other work and they are "not sure" because the work is not there yet.

Needless to say I am mentally BURNT OUT from doing this every day for the past couple months. The employees of the company just walk by me, shake their heads and can't believe I'm doing this. They all say "I could never do this, I would leave" or "I can't believe they have someone doing this all day long."

I seriously feel I cannot file one more paper even if I were held up at gunpoint. I am not trying to be funny, I really mean I cannot file one more paper.

I leave August 1st and I feel like I wasted 4 months. I have nothing to take with me out of this -- what kind of experience or skills can I list on my resume as a result of this job? I know my numbers and alphabet? I know it's better than not having a paycheck at all but seriously, the whole thing is ridiculous.

I know I shouldn't complain in this economy where work can be hard to come by, but right now I feel very discouraged. I could have used this time to get real experience and skills.

I did talk to the girl from the temp place who placed me here, but all she just said the company is VERY VERY pleased with me and she can't promise the company has anything permanent for me, but they *might* have something down the road.

Do you have any advice for me? It would be much appreciated.
Thanks so much.
(Sorry this is so long!)

[TankgirlyC]

Ok--------to answer what can I take away from this job....that you know your alphabet and your numbers..........well see you dont have to put the EXACT companies and tasks you were doing at a temp job on your resume. You can just list the agency with who you are registered with and under that heading put VARIOUS TEMPORARY ASSIGNMENTS.

Now......you have waited it out enough on this job. If the job is mentally taxing you and you feel if you file another paper that your going to go postal.....its taken its toll on your psyche. You need to call your recruiter and tell them that you spoke to them about this before, the company keeps telling you that the work hasnt arrived yet but 3 months seems rediculous, you also need to tell your recruiter what they had told you the job was going to be and that its not what your doing.....in essence they mis-represented the job to you.........also say I understand the company is pleased with me, but I feel like they are just giving me the work that other people refuse to do around here because (fill in comments from other co-workers here) has been said to me.
You also stated that you spoke to your recruiter and that she said they MIGHT have something down the road but no guarentees.....honest she is just trying to calm the waters and just keep you working there so that they dont have to replace you. Remember YOU have to do the job NOT her......so if your not happy LET HER KNOW!!!!

You need to be hard on this. As much as the economy sucks......it doesnt mean you should stay in a job that makes you NUTS.....As well......even if your on a temporary assignment.....DONT RELY ON IT......you should CONTINUE your full time work search. If you stop you lose your corner of the market.

For instance.....I might be working at my old summer camp but every night for at least 2 hours Ill be job hunting and or interviewing after the day at camp......I gain a pay check...I get outta my house.....guarenteed 8 weeks of work.....and flexability to interview......

[guenevere]

Thanks so much for the reply Tank!

It's been helpful.

I'm going to keep up the job hunt at night like you suggested.

We'll see what happens :)

[TankgirlyC]

Glad to be of help.....let me know if there is anything else I can do for you!!

GOOD LUCK

[jku]

wow - I totally sympathize with you! I've had some bad temp assignments too - CAN YOU BRING A WALKMAN? A radio? Something to take your mind off of things? Hang in there - TankGirl gave excellent advice on how to handle it with your Temp Agency liason. Be as assertive as the situation will allow - hang in there! :)

[guenevere]

The radio thing is a good idea. A lot of people have them on all day. Thanks for the idea I'll check into it.

I keep reminding myself "it's only one more month..." :)