Most people stick to one career path, but trying different jobs, even for a short time, can teach some invaluable life skills, build resilience, and give you a fresh perspective on work.
Source: Unsplash Some jobs push you outside your comfort zone, while others teach patience, adaptability, or how to deal with people. Whether it’s for a summer, a side hustle, or a career change, here are some jobs everyone should try at least once in their life. You’ll be a more well-rounded, empathetic person if you do, that’s for sure.
1. Customer service representative
Anyone who’s worked in customer service knows it can be challenging, but it’s one of the best ways to develop patience, communication skills, and the ability to handle difficult situations. Whether it’s over the phone, via email, or in person, dealing with customers teaches problem-solving and how to stay calm under pressure. It also gives you an appreciation for the people who work in these roles full-time. After handling rude customers, long queues, or frustrating complaints, you’ll never look at customer service workers the same way again. It’s a crash course in emotional intelligence and learning how to navigate different personalities.
2. Waiting tables or bar work
Working in a restaurant or behind a bar is fast-paced, demanding, and forces you to develop multitasking skills quickly. You learn how to deal with impatient customers, manage stress during peak hours, and keep a smile on your face even when things go wrong. It also improves your ability to work as part of a team. The best restaurants and bars run like a well-oiled machine, and if you can handle the chaos of a busy shift, you can handle almost any high-pressure job. Plus, it teaches humility — after a few shifts cleaning up after customers, you’ll always appreciate good service when you’re on the other side.
3. Retail assistant
Working in retail isn’t just about folding clothes or stacking shelves; it’s about understanding people. You quickly learn how to read customers, whether they want help or just want to browse, and how to stay professional even when someone is rude. It’s also a job that teaches resilience. Dealing with difficult customers, long hours on your feet, and last-minute shift changes builds endurance and patience. After working in retail, you’ll never leave a messy fitting room or expect employees to magically find something that’s out of stock again.
4. Freelancing or gig work
In today’s digital world, more people than ever are turning to freelancing or gig work, whether it’s writing, graphic design, photography, or even delivering food. Trying freelancing at least once teaches you the importance of self-discipline, managing your own schedule, and handling unpredictable income. It also forces you to market yourself, build a portfolio, and negotiate rates — all skills that are useful even in traditional jobs. Even if you don’t stick with freelancing, experiencing it first-hand will give you a new appreciation for those who do.
5. Call centre worker
Few jobs test your patience like working in a call centre. Whether it’s customer complaints, tech support, or sales, you quickly learn how to deal with people who are frustrated, confused, or just outright rude. However, it also teaches valuable communication skills — how to stay calm, how to de-escalate tense situations, and how to solve problems quickly. After working in a call centre, you’ll have a new level of respect for anyone answering phones all day, and you’ll think twice before getting annoyed with customer service.
6. Social media manager
With social media playing such a huge role in today’s world, trying your hand at managing accounts — whether for a company, a side business, or even your own project — teaches valuable digital marketing skills. It’s not just about posting content; it’s about understanding analytics, trends, and how to engage an audience. It also helps you see social media from a different perspective. When you’ve been on the other side dealing with algorithms, engagement rates, and online criticism, you gain a better understanding of how digital spaces shape public perception and business success.
7. Warehouse work or manual labour
Not every job involves sitting at a desk. Working in a warehouse, doing construction, or taking on any form of physical labour teaches discipline, teamwork, and the value of hard work. These roles push your physical limits and make you appreciate the effort that goes into industries most people don’t think about. After spending hours lifting, moving, or assembling things, you’ll have a newfound respect for those who do this work every day. It also teaches the importance of looking after your body, staying fit, and recognising that some of the hardest jobs are the least appreciated.
8. Teaching or tutoring
Whether it’s volunteering, tutoring, or teaching in a professional setting, passing knowledge on to other people is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Teaching forces you to break down complex ideas into simple explanations, making you a better communicator. It also builds patience and adaptability. Not everyone learns the same way, so you have to find creative approaches to get through to different people. Even if you never become a teacher full-time, the skills gained from guiding and educating people will help you in any career.
9. Hospitality or event work
Source: Unsplash Working at a hotel, organising events, or managing guests at a function teaches you how to stay professional under pressure. These roles require problem-solving, quick thinking, and keeping a calm demeanour, no matter what goes wrong behind the scenes. They also teach attention to detail and customer service skills that transfer to almost any industry. Plus, after dealing with demanding guests, last-minute changes, and unexpected problems, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for well-run events and the effort that goes into making things look seamless.
10. Running your own small business
Even if it’s just a side hustle, trying to run your own business — selling handmade products, starting an online shop, or offering a service — teaches you skills that no traditional job can. It forces you to think critically about finances, marketing, customer service, and problem-solving all at once. More importantly, it teaches resilience. Running a business means facing setbacks, making mistakes, and constantly adapting. Whether your venture succeeds or not, the experience is invaluable, and it often makes people more understanding of entrepreneurs and business owners in general.
