Meter Service Representative (Temporary/Seasonal work)
Pros
My supervisors were pleasant and supportive to work for. Overall, my co-workers were a great group. Co-workers train you as either a Meter Reader or a Collector. The job is not difficult to learn. Great for those who like to work outside independently, without a boss micromanaging over your shoulder. All things considered, I had a positive experience while working for National Grid.
Cons
For the most part, this will be only a seasonal job. The company needs extra bodies in the good weather, because from November-March, they cannot terminate the electricity of their non-paying customers. Good luck getting a permanent bid, if you don't have a relative or friend, who is a supervisor with some influence, to speak on your behalf. Unfortunately, for temporary workers, neither seniority, nor being a superior worker, will weigh predominantly when trying to become a permanent worker. In addition, being a Collector can be emotionally draining, because you will have to shut down the electric service of distraught people, who are down on their luck and cannot afford to pay their overdue bills. On the other hand, you will come across the many scammers, who play the system like a fine-tuned violin. Also, you are done, if you get into a vehicular accident, even if it is not your fault. You may not be fired, but don't expect to get rehired the following year. Finally, for workers funneled into mostly Meter Reading, some will have to use their own vehicles, because there are not enough company cars to go around. In this case, you will be reimbursed for weekly mileage driven.