Who knew retirement would be so expensive? And punching a time clock every day at 65 defeats the purpose of retirement. Many seniors want some extra income but don’t want to commit to full-time work. Some want to keep busy, and a paycheck is a bonus for them.

If you fit into the above categories, temporary employment agencies may give you the best of both worlds: extra cash and employment on your terms. There are several reputable agencies in the area that offer work in every field—from light warehouse work to answering phones to delivery driving to executive positions to…well, just about anything.

The agencies in this article don’t charge fees to job seekers for their services. They negotiate fees with employers, and employers determine how much each worker will get. Pay depends on the type of job you perform.

Each agency has its own policies, but in general, those seeking work fill out applications, giving personal information and showing the types of work wanted. Then the would-be workers call in once a week, usually on Monday, to see if there are jobs available. The time commitment ranges from a few hours to several weeks—or more. Sometimes temporary hires may be asked to work permanently for the company. You will be told how long the job will last so you can plan your schedule.

Nina Anderson, owner of Express Employment Professionals, said there is currently high demand for CNC programmers, welders, machinists and commercially licensed truck drivers, and workers in sales, accounting, medical records, data entry and customer service.

Kris Cox, director of business development and job placement at Labor Etc., said, “Right now the most desired skills are construction related but this varies every day as new job opportunities become available.”

Labor Etc. takes applications at its office from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Workers are paid weekly.

Quick Temps is another local agency that handles a wide range of jobs.

“As long as somebody is physically capable of doing the work and has the necessary skills, we will try to send them out for any assignment,” Owner Chris Martinez said.

Skilled labor work, from electrical to carpentry, is always in demand, according to Martinez. Bookkeeping skills are also highly coveted. Quick Temps is always taking applications.

Each manager/owner had advice for job seekers. Anderson said to be patient and persistent, as well as diligent in calling in each week to let the office know their availability.

“Be a lifelong learner,” she said. “Continually expand your knowledge and skills. We encourage you to continually check our website and to follow all the leads you can.”

Cox encouraged workers to contact every employment agency, not just Labor Etc.

“Get your information out to all the temp agencies that work with those over 50 because we all have separate employer bases,” Cox said.

Martinez echoed Anderson in saying that job seekers shouldn’t give up.

“Be persistent and wide-ranging in your search,” Martinez said. “Try to think of how your skills may apply in a variety of ways.”

Local temp agencies

[bscolumns class="one_fourth"]Quick Temps 811 N. First St. Grand Junction 241-6007[/bscolumns][bscolumns class="one_fourth"]Express Employment Professionals 1119 N. First St., Suite J, Grand Junction 242-4500[/bscolumns][bscolumns class="one_fourth"]Express Employment Professionals 210 E. Main St., Montrose 249-5202[/bscolumns][bscolumns class="one_fourth_last"]Labor Etc. 520 W. Gunnison Ave., Grand Junction 243-0811 Email Labor Etc.[/bscolumns][bscolumns class="clear"][/bscolumns]