I liked that the job allowed me to connect with individuals while filling out the census questions. I also liked the pay rate and the opportunity to earn a bonus by working diligently.
What I wish was different
I wish that I could have worked on a census year that wasn't during coronavirus because then I wouldn't have had to follow so many health and safety regulations.
Advice
If you want to work as a census field enumerator in 2030, be prepared to be put in some difficult situations, as that is the nature of a door-to-door job. For example, be ready to interact with some angry people who don't want solicitors on their property.
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Field Enumerator
July - September 2020 • Iola, WI
What I liked
I loved that I worked according to my schedule and that I was able to help people fill out the census.
What I wish was different
I wish that it was easier to get help in the field. The service center that was there for questions usually did not answer calls and it took hours to get answers. Communication wasn't the best.
Advice
Don't be afraid to ask questions, and never take any bad experience personally. Also, work on weekends whenever you can.
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census enumerator
July - October 2020 • Lapeer, MI
What I liked
I enjoyed contributing to the Census, and felt proud to be part of recording history, especially at this time in the world. I liked meeting all sorts of people in my area, and had many great experiences on the job.
What I wish was different
I wish I'd been allowed to carry pepper spray or similar. I had guns pulled on me, I had my life threatened, and I had to interact with people who were clearly on hard drugs. I was afraid for my life at multiple points, and was extremely relieved when the job was over.
Advice
Don't be afraid to tell your supervisor you don't feel comfortable going somewhere. If you have a friend willing to chill in your car while you work, it can make you feel much safer.
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Field Enumerator
June - October 2020 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
I liked the overall experience as a whole. It really deepened my interview skills.
What I wish was different
Covid-19 really destroyed the training process and I wasn't really able to get compensated for all the hours. I wished that the training would be more in person.
Advice
Always stay confident!
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Census Enumerator
July - August 2020 • Easton, PA
What I liked
The work was flexible and paid well, and I enjoyed the opportunity to talk to people from all around my city. Since I ended up conducting hundreds of census interviews with all sorts of people from all different walks of life, I feel like my interpersonal skills improved a lot over the course of the summer. I also feel much more comfortable walking into unknown situations and have more confidence in my abilities to adapt and problem-solve on the fly.
What I wish was different
I was bound to a pretty strict interview procedure that didn't accommodate odd cases very well, so that had a tendency to be rather frustrating, but overall I enjoyed the job a lot.
Advice
Go into it with confidence an open mind.
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Field Enumerator
July - September 2020 • Chicago, IL
What I liked
Self-directed work, you choose your own hours, and very high pay.
What I wish was different
I wish I had worked more!
Advice
Be very patient with respondents and take your time! It's okay to be nervous before you start, but the Census trains you very well. A lot of things are learned on the job, but you will get the hang of it very quickly.
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Field Enumerator
August 2020 • Pasadena, CA
What I liked
I liked that I was doing something important for my community. The pay was really good and my supervisor was very helpful.
What I wish was different
I wish I could have worked a bit longer but I was being asked to relocate to cities that were definitely too far.
Advice
Be confident and have fun. You are doing something that will shape the future of your community don’t be discouraged when people don’t open the door.
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Census enumerator
July - September 2020 • Bloomsburg, PA
What I liked
Good pay
What I wish was different
Advice
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Address canvasser
August - October 2019 • Rexburg, ID
What I liked
The schedule was very flexible
What I wish was different
I wish I would have worked in the countryside more
Advice
Always bring water with you
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Office Clerk
May 2019 • Columbus, OH
What I liked
Good salary, flexible hours
What I wish was different
Pretty much everything. Really toxic work environment that bleeds people dry.
Advice
Go in with very low expectations. Good temporary job but don't stay forever.
