Moving on from this, has anyone had any "low-level" jobs that they learned a lot from that they can still attribute as being a good experience today?
I worked in a warehouse at my last job.
I first started loading trucks, then I moved onto picking. During my time there, I eventually learned to do everything on the warehouse side and could handle doing a few computer oriented tasks that the managers had to do, but that more-so had to do with my computer savviness.
Still, warehouse work is arguably one of the lowest jobs that people look at, even though it pays more than minimum wage (I started at 10.50, compared to my job that came next where I started at 8.25).
At first, I was above it. Warehouse work was "beneath me."
Then I started to develop an appreciation for it. It was hard work. I developed such a strong work ethic from working there, and the experience isn't something that I would trade up for anything. It wasn't something that I wanted to do my whole life, only to help pay for school and daily living expenses, but it was something that has really helped shaped me professionally. I don't think I would be the employee I am today - and in the future - if I didn't get my start there.
When I have children, I will want them to have a warehouse job at least once in their life.