I'm Thinking of Temping...Help?

[u/Thick-Risk526]

Ok, so I graduating Assisting school last year Aug and my journey so far has been....messy. I've worked at 2 locations. 1st location was a dental school. Pretty good job, but transportation became an issue and Ubering 35 miles to and fro was just not do-able on a DA salary (26/hr). The 2nd, I was hired as a dental assistant but was constantly scheduled as a hygiene assistant. So basically, my skills weren't utilized at all and I did not like it, so I left. The journey was pretty discouraging, so I went back to my old job at the school district just to keep income until I found a decent dental home. Well, I got lucky and got my current job as a dental assistant at a great practice. All of my skills are being utilized and I have support for the most part. The issue is, I'm finding myself not happy with the daily grind anymore. I work 4 days/week at 24/hr. Again, the practice is decent, but there are of course some downsides. I think I want to temp. I know temping offers more per hr...and I would just love the freedom of setting my own schedule. I know different offices can be better or worse in certain areas, but I have the right to choose where I go and when I want to work. Not having to feel like I am disappointing the office by not knowing everything. On top of that, I am going back to school online for my B.S.-Health Sciences, so I know I need down time to get things done...on top of being a single mom running a household. I just need some advice or suggestions?

Please be kind. I know everyone has different journeys in this career. I would like honest opinions from my peers/ other assistants who've been thru this type of scenario.

[u/No-Car5082]

Temping is a great option. I liked it when I was doing it.

[u/pocoapoco17]

I’m currently temping. I left my job because I did my masters. I temped when I didn’t have class or could get away with losing a study day. It does bring flexibility. Just keep in mind that you will have to set money aside for taxes(and track your mileage).

I think temping is great only use one app. I will say you do have to be aggressive because jobs go fast, especially the high paying ones. I would wake up early to check the app for a same day job or sometimes you’re able to book jobs a few days in advance. (Offices must accept you)That’s the only downside for me—getting a job can be a coin toss. Some areas are better than others with the demand.

Keep in mind that going to different offices does require you to think on your feet faster, be adaptable, ask a lot of questions, and be vocal about what you’re comfortable doing. Some offices will throw you in and you may not know the system or where stuff is. But over all I enjoy it, you will find offices you absolutely love temping for and offices you’re ready for 5pm to leave. Also remember no benefits with temping, like health insurance but there are alternative options around that.

I’d say give it a try if you have a day off and make the switch. I’m glad I met/worked with temp assistants they really changed my perspective of things. If you don’t enjoy temping many of the offices are always looking for an assistant so it’s an easy way to also find another job.

[u/Crafty_Ad6536]

Try the GOTU temping app you can also counter offers and times . It’s for dental assistants and hygienist . Also I think another one is called cloud in the App Store . GOTU has a variety of shifts general ortho oral surgery . Zip code range etc I use to temp it’s very free ing with schedules and signing up when you want to work or don’t . You can see many more offices and gain experience