Reader, I'm back. I returned to the UK on Saturday - and bolted straight up North to see boyf and enjoy the snow. I reluctantly caught the train home and have since signed with Reed. I really like Reed, their customer service is second to none and their evaluation very thorough. Offered a job on the spot, and have an interview for a web editorial job already! So, two thumbs up for them. I tried another agency - who will remain anonymous to save legal costs - and was well unimpressed. As soon as the girl on the phone heard I wanted to sign up to their books, she dropped all her manners. So I didn't bother going in. Reactionary, maybe, but first impressions count.

I've also sorted of settled for doing more soft journalism - magazine features, reviews, blogging, odds and ends. This summer, I wrote book reviews for the local paper and so I popped back in to the newsp to see the book editor. I asked about work experience and she said I'd be better to work freelance. Hardly anyone is employed in print media anymore, least of all on the regional papers. She said there was work experience going in 2009 - but until then, to suggest some features idea to the local magazine and see if I could earn a commission that way. Otherwise, I was unlikely to get to enjoy the good bit of journalism - reporting - without having any journo qualifications.

So, how have you found the temp agencies? Loving them, or steering clear?

And, young hacks, how are you getting on?

Excuse me while I kutch with my sister and a Chinese takeaway. x