Elise waved goodbye to the tourism industry for a job as an office assistant

Only six months ago, I switched from a job in tourism to my current position as an office assistant. So I'm still learning a lot, but in the meantime I have noticed how versatile and varied my new field is. Ordering office supplies, securing meeting rooms, providing travel arrangements, contract management, a part facilities, looking after the building, running small errands... Those are just some of the daily tasks. Last but not least, I also have a seat on the happiness committee where I get to organise all kinds of fun business activities, events and I get to pick out and distribute nice gifts in the office.

The great variety in my duties makes my job exciting every day and allows me to put my expertise and my broad range of skills to good use. I owe that match in part to my contact at Bright Plus, who very deliberately looked for a fit between my personality, skills and desires and the job market offerings. Thus, I found a job with much variety, freedom, the opportunity to personalise my job and many substantive growth opportunities. What I have already learned over the past few months only makes it all the more fascinating.

In addition, my search for a new job was also a search for a better work-life balance. On that front, too, I've landed on my feet. I've found an employer who consciously invests in human capital. I feel at home at work, but also realise that flexibility works both ways here, so I'm finding a better balance between work and free time as well. I have a nice work day, but when the office door closes, I can actually let go of my job.

Of course, there are also working points associated with that sense of freedom. I'm getting increasingly trained in good time management, calendar management and prioritisation. All are must-have skills as an office assistant, as are critical thinking skills, an eye for quality, accuracy and smooth communication. Skills that I can continually develop on the job.