The Best Job I Ever Had Was Working as a Temporary

Some people might say the best job is one that pays well, but I think the best job is one that you enjoy, are challenged by learning something new and can gain experience in addition to the experience you have already. If the job pays well then that's even better. Of course, with several years of work history under my belt, the insurance plan, 401(k) and vacation time also help in determining a good job.

The best job I ever had was working for a temporary agency. The pay was better than average and it gave me a chance to work in different environments for different companies. The career path I had chosen at the time was to work in an office environment, preferably as an Executive Assistant. By working for the temporary agency, I gained enough knowledge and experience to make myself very versatile in any office setting.

For about two years I worked as a temporary. One week I might work at a law firm as a receptionist and the next week I would work as a copy clerk at a finance company. It also gave me the liberty of being able to call-in a day or two off in between assignments so that I could interview for positions with other companies where I could work full-time if I chose to or if I just needed a few days off to handle personal business.

The work was steady and reliable. More often than not, the temporary agency would have another assignment set up for me before my last assignment ended so I was never out of work. The jobs I was assigned to were always within a reasonable driving distance and suited to my skill level. At every job I was assigned to, I was made to feel like one of the other full-time employees even though I might only be there a week filling in for someone who was on vacation.

Temporary agencies offer short to long-term assignments, as well as permanent job placement. These days temporary agencies also offer health benefits, paid holidays, paid vacation and short-term disability. Job placement and assignments are available in a wide variety of fields, including industrial, medical, automotive, and electronics, as well as clerical work.

By working for different companies in different positions, I learned how to answer a multi-line phone system, do data entry, copy and bind materials for large projects and make reservations and appointments. In addition to the skills I mentioned, I also increased my typing speed and learned 10-key by touch, which is a must for working in most offices. As a matter of fact, where I worked as a copy clerk, I ended up being hired full-time and eventually became an Assistant to the Vice President. About a year later, while working for the same company, I became an Assistant Manager of a department.

Of course, what we grow up to be and what we want to be when we grow up are usually two different things. I wanted to be a model, but God made me short, so I had to choose a different line of work. Being a secretary was my second choice, so I feel that I am very fortunate to have chosen working for a temporary agency so I could experience several different roles with different companies and being able to show it as one employer on my job resume.