I am a management graduate and have been working with a FMCG company for the past two years. Although I enjoy my job and try to give it my best, I find the work environment in my office extremely biased. Being the junior-most executive in the department, I end up doing the bulk of the work and get reprimanded for the slightest lapse, while my senior in the department does very little work and gets away with it. He even got a promotion last month. This has made me lose interest in the job. Should I look for a new job or am I over-reacting?

I am very surprised at your description of the situation. Are you sure you are not biased in your opinion? Let me assume you are not and that what you perceive is the fact. There are people who are better at politics than at their work. I would advice you to speak to your department head, if you haven't already done so, or to someone in the hr department. If this does not result in anything or if you do not look feel like doing it, look for a new job. I would, however, advice you not to speak about this to prospective employers. You could just say that you are looking forward to a different experience or something to that effect.

I am a chemical engineer with over 10 years of marketing experience. I have a management degree (part-time) from a second-rung management institute, but this has failed to give me the edge I am looking for. Under the circumstances, I am considering enrolling in the executive MBA programme offered by a leading b-school. Is it worthwhile to pursue such a course?

It is always worthwhile to add to your qualifications. But if you are asking me whether that will greatly enhance your prospects of landing a better job, I can only say that there is no such guarantee. If that is the prime motivation behind your desire to acquire a degree, then you are likely to get frustrated. What this will give you is the chance to refresh your knowledge, develop new peer contacts, and insert an additional qualification in your resume-but it does not necessarily mean a great new job.

I am an electronics engineer and have a management degree with a specialisation in systems. I want to be a software designer but am yet to get an opening even as a software developer. I have been told that I need to spend at least a few years in software development before I can land a job in design. What would be the best course of action for me?

Given today's environment, I would suggest that you take up an entry-level job at even if it is a medium-sized firm. In the software industry, more so than in any other industry, the job you do currently decides what job you will be offered next. So don't wait for your dream job but just go ahead and start working in your broad area of interest, and then look at other options that come your way. What your resume really needs is some years of focused experience.

I am an engineer working with a telecom solutions firm in Chennai as a general manager. Recently, I got a good offer from another telecom company, which is located in Delhi. The salary hike offered by the Delhi-based firm is around 15 per cent, which by itself is not all that tempting. I have never worked in the Delhi region and have no idea of the compensation structure and the cost of living there. I have around 10 years experience. What are the expected pay scales in Delhi and is a 15 per cent jump at the senior level a decent one?

There is a perceptible difference between the salary levels in Chennai vis-a-vis Delhi-especially if you are changing companies (as against getting transferred within the same company). This, however, is a generalisation and may not apply to positions where salaries are not subject to regional variations-many senior-level positions such as yours fall in this category.

Compared to Chennai, the cost of living is definitely higher in Delhi. And you need to get an increment for changing companies too. Since I don't know your current salary level, it is difficult for me to give an accurate assessment and advice as to what you should do. I would suggest that you compare the package offered to you with the salary you already get after making an allowance for the incremental cost of living. You could also call up any friends you may be having in Delhi and seek their advice before deciding.

Answers to your career concerns are contributed by Tarun Sheth (Senior Consultant) and Shilpa Sheth (Managing Partner) of HR firm, Shilputsi Consultants. Write to Help,Tarun! c/o Business Today, Videocon Tower, Fifth Floor, E-1, Jhandewalan Extn., New Delhi-110055.

The Tidal Wave Of Temping

Ajit Isaac, CEO, PeopleOne Consulting, a Bangalore-based staffing services firm spoke to BT's Mily Chakrabarty on how temporary staffing services is emerging as a front-runner in the services sector as far as job opportunities are concerned.

At what rate is the temporary staffing industry growing in India?

The temporary staffing industry is still unstructured, with two or three national-level players and a few regional or city-specific operators.

There is bound to be some consolidation, and more definitive estimates of the size of the market will soon emerge.

Earlier findings have shown that there are about 100,000 temp workers in India. It is now estimated that this market is likely to grow by approximately 50 per cent annually. PeopleOne Consulting has already placed 2,000 temps thus far this fiscal.

Why do companies opt for temps?

One, it gives them flexibility in their operations, helping them cope with peak load requirements. Two, it reduces manpower costs on those activities that are not related to mainstream business. Three, it reduces operating costs without affecting quality in mission critical areas.

Do temps earn more than regular or permanent employees?

Some of the benefits that are extended to full-time employees in terms of medical benefits, LTA, etc., may not be applicable for temporary staff. In that sense, temp workers earn less than the permanent staff.

What is the duration of a temporary assignment?

The duration of any temp job depends on the employer. Generally there are two types of tenures: one is the short-term kind, which essentially ranges between two and four months, and the other is for a longer period, and can extend to a year or more.

What kind of companies are taking on temporary workers?

Almost all major Indian companies and MNCs hire temps. Some of our biggest clients are Ford Motor Company, Titan Industries and RPG Enterprises.

WHY TEMPS ARE A RAGE IN THE US

The temporary staffing industry offers flexibility to both employees and companies. People can choose when, where, and how they want to work. A recent survey carried out among temping staff in the US (4 per cent of the entire US workforce) came up with the following findings.

• 81 per cent of US companies cited labour force flexibility as the overriding reason for employing contingent and temporary workers.

• 79 per cent of temporary employees in the US worked full-time, virtually the same as the rest of the workforce.

• 64 per cent of temporary employees said flexible work time was important to them.

• 28 per cent of temporary employees worked for staffing companies because it gave them the flexibility and time to pursue their non-work interests.

• 74 per cent of temporary employees said they saw temping as a way to get a permanent job.

• 72 per cent of temporary employees obtained permanent jobs while working for staffing companies.

• 45 per cent of temporary employees preferred the alternative arrangement over traditional employment.

• 43 per cent of temporary employees said time with their families was an important factor in their job decisions.

• 29 per cent of temporary employees said they worked for staffing companies because they liked the diversity and challenge of different jobs.

Sources: American Staffing Association, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, and The Conference Board