What was your first job?
What was your first job and what did it teach you?
The first job we have is such a profound marker in life, a coming of age moment. The cutting of the chord, as it were, from our parents and a real indicator life is about to be very different. I have had many conversations with people about their first job and by virtue of being a career counselor/coach I have also been present at an individuals first leap into the world of work. What always intrigues me is how we get started and how we progress from those humble beginnings.
My first job was in retail. Working for one of the largest and most popular jean company Bootlegger. It was initially a challenge for me as I wasn’t always comfortable with pressure sales and up-selling; it felt a little like I was pushing the limits of trust between customer and clerk. What got me past my reservations was the all important first pay cheque, in addition to keeping a roof over my head and food in my stomach. Fresh out of high school and now independent it became an essential quality to look at the bigger picture as there was nobody else to blame if I failed to pay my rent. I quickly learned that money wasn’t everything, there was more to a job and paycheque than meets the eye.
Many very famous people had some less than glamorous jobs but important starts. Gwen Stefani from the group No Doubt worked at Dairy Queen cleaning the floors. Kirstie Alley known for her role on the hit television show Cheers was a housekeeper; in an interview with Oprah she shared her knowledge of the best ways to clean a home. Barbara Walters was a secretary in an office before she began her career in journalism. Queen Latifah who has made her mark as a singer and actor worked at Burger King. Suze Orman the financial guru worked as a waitress. In fact, there were many cooks, waitresses, retail clerks and secretaries. Maya Angelou the brilliant poet and writer started out similarly but one interesting note was the distinction of being the first black female streetcar conductor in San Francisco.
What did my first job teach me? I certainly understood more about my values and developed skills I previously didn’t know I had. I used the word trust earlier when describing my interaction with customers, but really it was the importance of placing myself in other peoples’ shoes. Whether somebody came to me to get an honest opinion on buying an item or for advice the lesson I concluded was to be authentic. Fake just doesn’t cut it. I also now empathize with those that serve others as I know what it’s like being behind the counter.
Here are some other important things learned:
1.Strong work ethic: by working hard, pushing through challenge, putting in the time and showing willingness to learn, many doors can open.
2.Validation: I liked Kirstie speaking about being validated for her contribution as the housekeeper. She was able to take pride in her work and know that it was important and the skills obtained would be used many times in life. She shared “It gave me a vision for my own home.”
3. Making average great: Suze Orman profoundly remarked about how being a waitress helped her discover happiness. She stated “I learned that when you make average great, your dreams can become a reality.”
4. Perspective: The first job can give you perspective. Life up to that point has been fairly structured and blinders were firmly attached. The first job opens us up the opportunity to find deeper meaning and understanding about self and others.
5. The Journey: None of the famous people noted or anyone I know had instantaneous success. Contrary to popular belief we don’t get to become CEO overnight. Starting at the bottom and working our way up has a lot of benefits. Maybe the pocket book is lighter but the experience and exposure to what and who can make a big difference is the long term gain.
6. Mentors Matter: Mentors are truly the unsung hero’s in our career development. The biggest impact on our professional lives whether youth or adult can often be found in a person who took the time to see the potential.
7. Money isn’t everything: Though there are famous women and men who have enjoyed huge success and now live life comfortably financially, it wasn’t the pursuit of the next dollar that got them there. Finding the joy, listening to the right people, setting goals and working hard brings us closer to the life we want.
Here’s something else from the book of Jennifer 
- Nobody owes us nothing but if we trace backward we may find we owe someone something. It is usually gratitude for their wisdom, patience and willingness to take a chance on us. With naivety firmly intact we begin the career path. It doesn’t matter whether you are selling jeans, flipping burgers, wearing work boots or a hair net there is learning in everything we do. Nothing is beneath us except solid ground in which to start building upon.
What did your first job teach you?
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The cutting of the cord it was. I think the thing that sticks with me the most was my dad’s fear. He was totally against my job at the bagel shop because he was a house dad and feared that his job was being usurped. He also wanted to always feel like he could provide enough so I wouldn’t have to work.
We came to an understanding. I allowed him to drive me to and fro my early morning shifts. That was some beautiful bonding.
That is such a great example of how our first job impacts more than just us. Your Dad sounds like such a special man and coming to the agreement you both did shows the respect you have for each other. From bagel shop to arts, crafts, designer extraordinaire, we are so glad you were free to fly. Your knowledge and talent was worth it!
If you haven’t already scrolled down my blogroll go click on Lydia’s website The Clueless Crafter – truly a breath of fresh air.
My first job was that of a receptionist/swichboard operator, with a large Manchester City Centre, Printing and Envelope company.
I was 15 years of age and I was mortified when my protective Mother insisted on escorting me to the interview. It took much persuasion to convince her to remain in the waiting room.
The next nearest person to me in age was at least eight years older.
The job taught me grown up responsibilty and the importance of the role of being a first contact, via the phone or front desk. (How many people’s first impressions are formuated in that initial meeting?)
I learned how to discretely avoid amorous advances from older male employees and I gained confidence in dealing with strangers at the front counter.
I definetly enjoyed overcoming the challenge and mastering an old fashioned, plug in type, 5 line PBX switchboard.
(I think that I only cut two people off!)
I stayed with that job for two years until I was 17, while going to night school to gain my University entrance.
I emerged from that first job, with a new found confidence in myself and eager to face new experiences, standing on my own two feet.
That is a good example of what is gained by the first job. You are so right, the position of receptionist or any first contact person is integral, they can help make or break a business.
Thanks for sharing. Glad you also learned the “how to fend off advances from male coworkers.” Learned that one myself early on which resulted in the name “dragon lady” hardly flattering as I was twenty something. Didn’t mind though I had plenty of suitable guys outside of work far closer to my age and way cuter.
My very first job was as a babysitter (and the next was working at McDonald’s which lasted maybe 2 months) and it taught me about responsibility, what to do in case of an emergency, and how to interact with small children. Back then, I spent most of my earnings on teen magazines, but the job gave me some pocket money and I started writing to penpals in those magazines and I even wrote a poem about Shaun Cassidy that was published in 16 magazine when I was 14. So being able to earn money as a babysitter, led to my first publishing experience!
Wow, that is impressive! Published so young in your favourite magazine, I bet all your friends thought that was great too! Shaun Cassidy was my sisters dream guy for awhile.
You reminded me that technically my first job was babysitting too, in fact, I had quite the little business going with local families/referrals. Funny that I don’t know what I did what that money? You are right about what it teaches, especially responsibility. I’m amazed at how many parents we know that don’t leave their kids with babysitters anymore and how few teenagers are interested in starting that way.
Times have changed. Thanks for sharing your first job experience.