In everyone's life, there are certain things that never should be repeated. When it comes to jobs, these experiences are usually the ones that were the dirtiest, worst-paying or otherwise least appealing.

But even relatively good jobs can inspire feelings of relief when they're over, especially if they should have been over much sooner. When cleaning out the desk for the last time or handing back the keys, we think, "Thank goodness I'll never have to do that again."

What's that saying about never saying never? As it turns out, some of the things we think we're leaving behind are exactly the things we'll meet again in the future.

Among the jobs I thought I never would do again are waitressing and delivering newspapers. So far, so good, but I've learned not to count anything out. Both occupations would bring cash by using hours I otherwise would spend sleeping or socializing. When times are tight, who wouldn't trade some sleep or time with friends for a little cash?

AMY LINDGREN

WORKING STRATEGIES

A client told me that he was considering a return to the company that had laid him off only months earlier. Why go back? While there was no love lost on his former supervisor, he had enjoyed working for the company and really believed in its product. If he returned, he would be in a different department, so working there might be better than it had been before.

The only problem was that he would be likely to cross paths with his former supervisor. Would that be a deal-killer? That's what he was trying to figure out.

Reconnecting with former co-workers and bosses is just one of the byproducts of returning to an old workplace. Running into former clients and vendors is another, as is seeing your old projects managed by someone else. Only you can say whether these would be pluses or minuses.

But aside from the ups and downs of going back, how would you do it?

Of course the first piece of advice is the one you already know: Don't burn bridges on the way out the door. Too late? If you think you are persona non grata at your old workplace, it might be worth checking, just in case things have cooled down.

Start by asking former co-workers (discreetly) what your reputation is there and whether you are remembered fondly. If you get any encouragement at all, you might as well move forward. After all, the worst outcome is rejection; if that's happened before at this place, you should be well prepared for it.

Another way to return to a former workplace is as a vendor or contract worker. This path is so well-trod that it's becoming an American tradition. Some companies rely on former workers to help them transition to a new employee, so the best time to make this arrangement might be immediately after you leave.

If you're working as a contractor to the company, you may be able to "cherry-pick" your old job, taking only the projects or tasks you enjoyed most. It's a good idea to check with your accountant to ensure that the compensation rate you propose will cover your tax obligations and other overhead as well as provide a profit.

What if the move you're considering is actually a step down the career ladder? In these tough economic times, there's a strong argument for taking any job that will pay the bills, regardless of its low prestige or role in your overall career plans. The concept of career is fluid anyway, so who's to say that the backward move won't prove to be the springboard to a much better job later?

There's a trick to all this moving up and down the ladder, by the way: Never let your job define you — whether it's a terrific job or a terrible one, high prestige or low. Food handler and bank president are just titles, not a species designation. The jobs will come and go, but your personality and human dignity are yours to keep.

- Amy Lindgren owns Prototype Career Service, a career consulting firm in St. Paul, Minn. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecaree rservice.com or at 1071 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, MN 55102.