Pros
Flexibility if you need it or are returning to the workforce. Short shifts when starting, have to work your way up to longer shifts and ask for contract reviews after every offer. Proven reliability will be met with consistency but does take time. Saturday work available if wanted, more recently 7am starts don’t allow for parents who rely on childcare services.
Cons
Low pay. Lack of understanding for family/caring responsibilities in regards to start times and travel times that impact the work/life balance. Medical certificate needed for single days off unless willing to take LWOP. Zero consistency in support from supervisors/delegated help desk workers. Heavy workload at opening time, no set up time resulting in agitated patients, bookings aren’t scheduled to stagger patients which also creates unnecessary tension and expectations from patients. Often verbally abused then ‘educated’ on what you did wrong but not supported unless the verbal crosses over to physical. On the job injuries are downplayed, placing blame and return to work pressured. Requests for Increase in contract hours ignored, yet new employees constantly hired and preferred. Arrogant supervisor who belittles staff competencies in an effort to destabilise proven confidence, skills and knowledge.