The life of a temp

Latest

(inspired by the folk song The Old Fashioned Cottage)
Like shadows that hover between day and night,
You’re sort of employed, but again no, not quite.
Forget health insurance, from that you’re exempt.
Pray God to stay healthy.  That’s the life of a temp.
They’ll give you the tasks that no other will touch.
And when there’s a paycheck, surprise!  It’s not much!
You’ll find disappointment wherever you’re sent.
Just thank God you’re working.  That’s the life of a temp.
There’s always the thrill of not knowing the score.
Official procedures and oh, so much more.
Bosses look at you darkly as if you smoke hemp.
“You must be a slacker.  After all you’re a temp.”
You come with a screw-up. They say, “Go away.”
And when it’s a crisis:  “Why didn’t you say?!”
You’re the lowest of life forms. You’re held in contempt.
Your dreams are all dying.  That’s the life of a temp.
You’re hoping to prove that you’re worthy of hire
So you work like a dog and you hold in your ire.
Just as you think you’ve made it, “Say have you met Bob?
He’s the boss’ grand-nephew and he just took your job.”
No matter your background, no matter your skills,
Unemployment’s cut off and you can’t pay your bills.
You’re never a Curly. You’re always a Shemp.
You’re the stooge of the office.  That’s the life of a temp.
— Ilze Vitands

+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

ICE Terror Campaign Threatens Us All

Several recent Facebook reels show how ICE is ramping up its campaign of terror against immigrants, citizens and protestors alike as the effort to create a police state continues and resistance grows. One creator speaks to the significance of Haitians now being targeted.

Medicaid Defenders in Wheelchairs Arrested Ahead of Senate Budget Vote

Over 60 people, including grandmas in wheelchairs, were arrested in the U.S. Senate Rotunda in a nonviolent protest against cuts like Medicaid and the SNAP food program in Trump’s “Big Beautiful Budget Bill.”

Zohran Mamdani Delivers Stunning Blow to ‘Billionaire-Backed Status Quo’ in NYC

New York City proved that a movement powered by hope, courage, and working class people can beat the money of billionaires.

The American People Want Peace, Not War!

The US's immoral and illegal attack on Iran threatens the whole world with war. The American people have a special responsibility to come out into the streets and rein in the US government, which has become a rogue state.

Juneteenth 2025: ‘We Have to Win this Fight,’ Hannah-Jones Tells Black Graduates

Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones addressed Black graduates at Harvard University, telling them that "we are about to see unleashed upon us an America that we have not had to live in. And we have to win this battle."

More from the People's Tribune