When I first connected with Mercer Bradley, I didn’t have a clear vision for my career. I had finished school, worked in a role where I handled all aspects of accounting, and when that position ended, I found myself focused more on getting by than planning ahead. I wasn’t thinking long-term — I was thinking survival.
Why I Said Yes to a Temporary Role
Then a temporary role came along.
I knew it wasn’t permanent, and honestly, that felt comforting. There was less pressure. I could learn, test the waters, and see if the role — and the organization — were the right fit. I didn’t realize at the time that saying yes to something temporary would become the most pivotal decision of my career.
From my very first conversation with Mercer Bradley, I felt supported. Tara wasn’t just placing me in a role — she was checking in on me, advocating for me, and reminding me that I was capable of more than I realized. I always knew where I stood, what was expected of me, and that someone genuinely had my back.
That temporary Accounts Receivable role with a large organization turned into multiple extensions, a permanent opportunity, and then something even bigger. I moved into Accounts Payable, took on leadership during a major automation implementation, stepped into a Team Lead role, and eventually transitioned into a Process Optimization — managing projects, supporting international teams, and continuing to grow in ways I never imagined.
How Temporary Work Changed My Career Path
What surprised me most wasn’t just the career progression — it was how much my confidence grew along the way. I went from questioning myself to stepping into leadership, managing large-scale projects, and even pursuing further education in project management to strengthen my skills. I learned to trust my abilities because someone else believed in them first.
Looking back, I realize that temporary work isn’t a step backward — it’s an opportunity to build, learn, and be seen. It gave me the freedom to grow without pressure and the space to prove what I was capable of.
Mercer Bradley wasn’t just a recruiter in this process — they were a partner, a cheerleader, and an advocate. And because of that partnership, I found not just a job, but a career I’m genuinely excited about.
If you’re hesitant about temporary work, my advice is simple: don’t limit yourself. Sometimes the biggest opportunities come disguised as short-term ones.
Read the other side of this story
Curious how this journey looked from the recruiter’s perspective? Read how Mercer Bradley supported this transition from temporary to transformational in our recruiter-led Career Story.
