You are going to read about a man who does temping work for a living. As you read, find out:

1 what temping work is

2 why he does temping work

 

 Work or life?

A lot of people ask me why I do temping work rather than get a permanent job with one company. I guess it’s partly because of my father. He was a computer programmer for a big multinational company. His job was very important to him. He used to work very long hours. When we were kids, he often got home after nine o’clock at night – the time that we went to bed. Sometimes I didn’t see him for days and days. He did very well in his job. He got promoted. He became the manager for the whole of the country and then the whole of South-east Asia. He just worked harder and harder. I don’t think he was really happy doing what he was doing but I guess he couldn’t see any other way. Then, when he retired, he didn’t know what to do. He was even more unhappy. He died of a heart attack when he was 68.

I don’t want to be like that. Doing temping work means I don’t have to go to work every day. When I work, I don’t have to do the same things or see the same people every day. That’s why I like it. I’ve been with the same agency for about ten years now. They know I’m a good worker and I’m reliable – I’ve never been late for work – so I can more or less choose the jobs I want to do.

Sometimes I work in the same place for a few weeks, sometimes it’s for just one day. I only get paid for the days I work, so if I’m not very well and take a day off sick, or if I want a holiday, I don’t get any money. I suppose that if I had a family, it would be a problem, but I don’t mind. Money isn’t that important to me. It’s more important that I can take time off when I want to. Some of my friends only get two weeks’ holiday a year. I often take five or six weeks’ holiday and go travelling all over the world.

 At the moment, I’m working in an office as a secretary. I’ve been there for about three months. It’s a nice place. The people who work there are really friendly, but I’m getting a bit fed up with the work, so I think I’ll probably ask to change and do something else soon. I do quite a lot of office work because I’m good at typing, but I’ve done lots of other jobs as well. I’ve been a security guard and a barman; I washed cars one summer; and I worked in a hotel in a ski resort for two winters, which was good because I went skiing a lot. Not all the jobs are good, though. The worst job I had was when I worked in an abattoir, which is a place where they kill animals. I had to cut up the meat, pack it and send it off to supermarkets. Then I had to clean the floor. It was disgusting! My best job was working in a chocolate factory for a week. I went home with lots of free chocolate bars. That was great!

 

Complete the sentences with words from the text.

1 I work very long ______ - I start at nine in the morning and finish at nine at night.

2 She did very well in her job. After two years, she got _____ to manager.

3 He’s a very ______ worker. He never arrives late and always does his work on time.

4 If you ‘re really feeling bad, you should take a day _____ sick.

5 I travel a lot with my job. I go all _____ the world. It’s great.

6 I work in the main university finance _____ as a secretary.

7 My job is quite boring. I’m getting a bit _____ up with it.

8 I have to clean all the toilets in the hotel. It’s really _____!

 

 

Which of the jobs would you like to do? Why? For which ones have you got the required qualities?

SUMMER JOBS

If you want a job this summer, it isn’t hard to find one. There are plenty of employers willing to pay a decent salary to young people who are not afraid of a hard day’s work.

1 ______

For example, Star Summer Camps, based in the South-West of England, are looking for Activity Instructors to work with children aged 5-15. The money is not bad – from £ 220 to £ 260 per week. It’s ideal for outgoing, reliable people who enjoy working with children. Candidates with musical or sports ability are preferred, but all applications are welcome.

2 ______

Can you see yourself as Mary Poppins? Want to work as a nanny? Well, there is a vacancy for a child care with a prestigious family in the Channel Islands from May to September. The work involves looking after three pre-school children. Suitable qualifications, experience and good references are essential. It pays £ 180 per week plus full board and travel expenses.

3 ______

Have you ever given money to a charity? Of course you have. Well, Time 2 Give need highly motivated, energetic, professional people to raise money for good causes. There are both permanent and short term vacancies available all over the country, and good workers can earn over £ 400 a week! After a paid training period you would be responsible for working in a team to persuade people to give to charities.

4 _____

If you prefer physical work, Glowrie Farms in the North east of Scotland require hard-working fruit pickers for the summer. They provide medical insurance, holiday pay and accommodation and the wages range from £ 5 to £ 8 per hour.

5 ______

Edinburgh has thousands of visitors every summer, and Travotel Hotels are offering £ 535 per month plus full board for a Hotel Reception Assistant. It’s a temporary summer contract, ideal for student. The duties include answering the phone, helping customers, assisting the senior receptionist and any other odd jobs. The hotel is open 24 hours, so you may be asked to work shifts, and overtime is also available.

6 _______

How about working in a restaurant? Eatwell Restaurants are recruiting part-time staff to serve and clear tables in its central London branches. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and a neat and tidy appearance is essential. The posts are all in Central London and the pay is £ 7.25 per hour.

To apply for any of the jobs above visit our website.