When Patrick first met with my team back in 2008, I doubt any of us could’ve predicted the impact that a single temp role could have on his life. I don’t take credit for the path he’s forged for himself, of course, but I think his in a fascinating example of where contract and temp roles can lead.
The beginning
Patrick walked into our office in 2008 having just moved to Melbourne earlier that week. He’d spent a couple of years working for Westpac in Canberra, but had arrived here without a job.
“I was 19, my parents were retiring and moving down the coast, I’d had enough of Canberra. I knew if I wanted to build a career, I needed to move to a bigger city. Initially the plan was to go to Sydney, but my job and accommodation both fell through there, so I figured it was a sign that Melbourne was the place to go.”
The timing was fortuitous, as we had an open spot with one of our clients, with a training group starting the following Monday. So just a few days later we had Patrick starting in his new role.
Six months becomes six years
Patrick worked hard throughout the term of his six-month temp contract, and upon conclusion, the client offered him a permanent role.
It didn’t stop there though. He was promoted several times during his six-year tenure, and at various times handled quality assurance and coaching, written correspondence, complaints and escalations, before finishing his time there as a Subject Matter Expert.
“While I didn’t fully appreciate it at the time, the skills I picked up in that role really laid the groundwork for the rest of my career. I learned about investments, superannuation, and insurance. I learned conflict resolution skills, and honed my writing skills. And I started building out a network that eventually led to bigger and better things.
I even met my wife in the latter part of my time there, so it really is no exaggeration to say it changed my life completely!”
This role led directly to Patrick’s next job with Netwealth, which in turn helped him secure a role as a Market Analyst at Livewire Markets.
“My time with Livewire is where I worked out what I really wanted to do with my career long-term. But I would never have been there in the first place if it wasn’t for that temp job I accepted just after arriving in Melbourne.”
Today, nearly 17 years later, Patrick runs his own business – a content production agency specialising in finance and investing content. He and his wife – who also started out as a temp at the same company – live in the Yarra Ranges, with their daughter, Monte the Maremma Sheepdog, and their three goats, Roger, Steffi, and Martina.
Patrick’s tips for success in a temp role
Looking back, Patrick sees clear patterns in what separates those who turn temp roles into long-term success from those who don’t.
“The biggest mistake is viewing a temp role as, well, temporary. While some temporary jobs really do have a fixed end date, most employers will find a way to keep someone who really stands out. If you treat it like a short-term gig, you’ll only ever get short-term opportunities.”
Instead, he advises temp workers to focus on building value from day one.
“Being successful in a temp role is no different from being successful in any other role. Work hard, show initiative, network, and don’t be afraid to take on additional responsibilities.
It can feel like a grind at first, and like you’re getting nowhere. But the payoff often takes longer than you expect – and can happen faster than you think is possible.”
The bigger picture
Patrick’s story is just one example of how temp and contract roles can be stepping stones to something greater. For some, they lead to full-time positions. For others, they provide the skills and experience needed to take the next leap in their career. And for a lucky few, they set the foundation for an entirely new path – one that may not have seemed possible at the outset.
The key takeaway? Whether it’s a six-month temp contract or a multi-year journey, the value of any role is what you make of it. As Patrick’s experience shows, sometimes the job you take just to get by can end up shaping your entire future.
