I am currently working a temp job at an art gallery but it is extremely inconsistent and its been four weeks since I was last called in.

Cemoscoe

November 7,2022 at 12:54PM UTC

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I am currently working a temp job at an art gallery but it is extremely inconsistent and its been four weeks since I was last called in.

I enjoy the job itself. But not only is the pay lower than I initially thought, but I am also in a precarious financial situation with credit debt and student loan bills looming over me. When I contact the Supervisor of the Art Gallery asking if I will be needed this week, he says he will get back to me and then doesn't respond. Then sometimes I suddenly will get texts asking me to work three days of the week starting tomorrow. But again, that was four weeks ago. I had to get another part-time job to make ends meet. How should I discuss this with the Temp agency or my supervisor at the art gallery? Should I just quit or try to reason and speak with them, and how do I phrase it so that I am assertive without being a jerk?

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AnonymousNovember 7,2022 at 1:58PM UTC
First of all, being appropriately assertive is NOT being a jerk. And yes, the first place you should go is to the temp agency and explain that you are not being given either the hours you were promised or the communication you deserve. Let the temp agency deal with the art director. The art gallery job may be a nice job, but it is not meeting your financial needs. Find another temp job that might lead to a more permanent, secure position for you. Good luck!
Crystal HowellNovember 7,2022 at 3:06PM UTC
Contact your temp agency and ask to be reassigned to permanent position. Let her know how you are being treated. Contact your credit union in the area to consolidate your debt to 1 payment, to help reduce interest and payments. Good Luck!
Shelly EdwardsNovember 7,2022 at 3:17PM UTC
If you are working through an agency, you need to reach out to them to let them know your status and that you need more hours either at the gallery or at another location. Request a set schedule so that you can plan around it. If the agency or the gallery are unwilling to work with you on that, then it is time to move on and find another job. The gallery and the agency are not responsible for your financial situation and need to do to what you need to do in order to make ends meet.
KatNovember 7,2022 at 10:31PM UTC
Look for another job, either through the temp agency or on your own. Lots of places are hiring permanent part or full time that will pay better and guarantee you set hours for the week. There is no need to waste your time hoping this one job will give you hours. Do what you need to do for yourself. You aren't being a jerk because you have bills to pay and need more steady hours. There are plenty of other jobs around, especially with the Christmas season coming up.
AnonymousNovember 8,2022 at 3:35PM UTC
No advice… Just wanted to say that I absolutely despise positions like this because they have an “heir of prestige” and appeal to college graduates yet makes their financial situations worse. Anyone working fast food has a more steady pay check! The supervisor has some nerve treating you that way. The gallery doesn’t generate a lot of money and that’s not a reason for him to treat you in a way which isn’t good for your self esteem.
AnonymousNovember 8,2022 at 6:55PM UTC
Get a better part time job give that job priority so you can pay your bills then work tge occasional art gallery shift if it fits your schedule.
AnonymousNovember 8,2022 at 9:09PM UTC
I agree but, this tends to work out better when first snagging a reliable part time job first.
People in wishy washy situations like this tend to spiral in the lack of opportunity. There are part time positions that allow you to pick In choose shifts you want to work which is convenient. I found a job like this through networking. I haven’t worked a shift in months but, I feel great that it’s their for me.
I’ve had a wishy washy part time job like the op described and I seriously avoid such positions.