Congratulations, graduates! You’ve finally tossed that cap in the air, taken a million pictures, and officially left behind those sleepless nights of cramming. Now, it’s time to enter the real world—where “adulting” is just a fancy way of saying you’ll be doing taxes and figuring out what to eat for dinner at 9 p.m. But here’s the catch: The real world? It’s big. And confusing. And a little bit scary. Luckily, there’s a shortcut you can take to avoid getting lost in the jungle of job listings. It’s called temp work. Yes, entering the workforce through temp agencies could be your gateway to full-time glory—and you don’t even have to wear a suit to get started (but maybe don’t wear pajamas either). So, here’s your fun and slightly ridiculous guide to navigating the temp world like a pro:
Embrace Your Inner Chameleon
When you sign up with a temp agency, you’re basically the Swiss Army knife of the office world. You’ll be the one who can fill in for an accountant on Monday, answer phones for a marketing team on Tuesday, and maybe even help organize a company picnic on Wednesday (and yes, you’ll probably be asked to make the ‘Thank You’ cards too). Pro Tip: The more you can blend into any work environment, the better. It’s like being a secret agent, but instead of saving the world, you’re saving your paycheck.
The Mystery of the Office Supplies Closet
One of the greatest perks of temping is that you get to explore all the hidden corners of a company. For instance, the office supplies closet—what’s that like? Is it filled with extra pens, paperclips, and possibly an entire drawer of misfit staplers? Can you really say you’ve “made it” if you haven’t pilfered a sticky note or two? On your first temp gig, you’ll probably be given a desk, a computer, and, if you’re lucky, a plant. But what really matters is mastering the art of navigating the office supplies closet. After all, where else are you going to grab a pen when you’re making an epic to-do list for your 15-minute lunch break?
Learning to Love “Project Work” (AKA: Doing 30 Tasks in 30 Minutes)
When temping, you’re often handed a long list of things to do in a short amount of time. It’s not just organizing the files; it’s organizing the files by color, date, and file size in under an hour. You’ll become an expert at multitasking. You’ll find yourself managing a spreadsheet, answering emails, and simultaneously Googling “how to make a PowerPoint presentation look cool.” Don’t worry. It’s normal to question your sanity after tackling 18 projects before lunch. But hey, at least you’ll have the multitasking skills of a CEO by the end of the week
The “You’re Not Really Here” Situation
As a temp, you’ll find yourself in a funny situation: You’re there… but are you really there? You’ll be the office’s mystery person—just enough to keep the team functioning but not enough to claim that coveted parking spot or receive invites to every office happy hour. You may even hear the phrase, “Oh, you’re the temp?” said with a mix of surprise and confusion, but that’s okay. You’re like the office’s secret weapon. They might not know your name, but they’ll sure remember that you saved the day when the printer jammed.
Network Like a Ninja
Remember, temping isn’t just about the work you do. It’s about the connections you make—and you might make more than you think! In fact, some of your future bosses could be the ones who have a casual chat with you about the “free coffee” situation in the break room. Temping gives you the chance to network in ways you never imagined. Just make sure you know your elevator pitch before you start talking about your “interesting side hobby of collecting paperclips.” Pro Tip: Keep your LinkedIn updated during your temp gigs. You never know when someone might be so impressed by your spreadsheet wizardry that they ask you to join their team for the long haul.
The “Oh, So This Is What Adults Do” Moment
Here’s the thing: Temping might feel a little bit like a game of dress-up at first. But as time goes on, you’ll get the hang of it. You’ll start scheduling meetings, crafting emails that sound more professional than they actually are, and possibly even making small talk with coworkers about the weather without sweating bullets. Eventually, you’ll look at your own calendar and think, “Oh. So this is what adults do, huh? They schedule things? This is a lot of responsibility. I’m not sure I’m ready for this kind of pressure.” Spoiler alert: You are ready. You just don’t know it yet.
And Finally, Celebrate the Small Wins
You know that feeling when you finally land a permanent gig after a few temp assignments? It’s the best. You’ll probably even get an office chair that doesn’t squeak (but don’t get your hopes up). Celebrate every little win along the way. Got a good review from your boss? That’s a win. Figured out how to fix the printer without asking for help? Massive win. Managed to remember everyone’s name in your new office? You, my friend, are a hero.
Temping Can Be Your Launchpad
Temping isn’t just about filling time between graduation and your dream job. It’s an experience. It’s an adventure. And it’s a way to grow your skill set, meet cool people, and figure out what you actually want to do. So, whether you end up temping for a few months or it leads to a full-time position, remember this: Temp agencies are your friend, the office is your playground, and the journey to a permanent job is just beginning. You’re already one step closer to being the fully-employed adult you were born to be. Now go out there and show the world what you’ve got! Just don’t forget to refill the coffee machine on your way out.
Omar Tarango is a Freelance Blogger and Social Media Manager