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FGB'ers, what was your very first job and what did you learn from it?
Throwing it back today! I was a short order chef at a golf course for a few years in high school. I learned that I love cooking (but wasn't great at the time) but I also learned how important tipping is. Now, I tend to overtip but happy to do so.
IshaMudgilI am a full time mom, writer and a food lover.
421
04/24/19 at 9:15PM UTC
My first job lasted for six months with an IT staffing company. Well, I didn't take the job seriously (my bad). Apart from, that I met my future husband there, I learned that we need to focus and prioritize things in life, because time stops for no one, so make it useful and productive.
Anonymous
04/18/19 at 2:26PM UTC
My first job was in a bridal shop. I was hired by the manager, but the owner did not like me. Apparently, the manager hadn't told him I had been hired. I tried very hard to win him over, but nothing I did was good enough. I only lasted for the prom season, because he couldn't get anyone else and get them trained. I learned that no matter what you do, there are some people who will not like you and there is very little you can do about it.
Anonymous
04/17/19 at 2:58PM UTC
Grading papers at Kumon to get money for prom! I learned how much math was not my thing!
Sue DeRosierExperienced communications professional
172
04/16/19 at 7:07PM UTC
I briefly worked as a phone solicitor making appointments for Kirby vacuum cleaner sales people. I learned that after 6 weeks of using a black rotary phone in a windowless room I could no longer dial my own number correctly!! I also learned through this job, Avon, and a couple of PR positions, that I don't enjoy sales. I can do it, but I don't enjoy it. Much more a marketer than a salesperson.
Marina SideliAspiring Organizational Psychologist
436
04/11/19 at 2:31PM UTC
Camp counselor...I learned how impressionable young kids can be, but that they also have their own opinions and their own minds and that we should listen to what they have to say!
AlisonDismantling the patriarchy - one bro at a time
684
04/09/19 at 12:27AM UTC
My first job technically was I used get paid to babysit the neighborhood kids as early as age 11, but my first job post college was working in a call center. I was fielding non-stop inbound calls and trying to get people to give me their credit card information over the phone to subscribe to listings of foreclosed and repossessed property (in a time when we physically mailed you the listings and people didn't used to give their credit cards over the phone). It was like being in a boiler room on Wall Street, just with none of the prestige or money; I was making minimum wage plus commission, a whopping $10-$15 per deal closed. It was my first job out of college and you didn't even need a college degree to work there.
I started in a training class of 40 people. The trainer looked at us and said, "In 2 weeks, only 2 of you will be left - the rest will have quit or be fired." I thought, "What did I sign up for??? I have rent and bills to pay - I can't afford to quit or get fired!"
2 weeks passed and the trainer was right. I was one of the two people left in my training class still employed, and out of 500+ call center reps, I placed in the top 5 in the company on the leader board every week. I was the only woman ranked in the top 5, or even in the top 40.
I practiced my phone script every night until I had that 12 page word document memorized. I got up at 4:30 am every day to be at work by my 5:30 am start. I stayed ranked in the top 5 on the leader board every single week from week 2 until I left almost 10 months later. I hated that job, but sometimes in the jobs you hate are the most opportunities for growth, and to really learn what you are capable of.
If you met me today, you would never believe this is where I started. But at age 21, I learned that success is awarded to those willing to bring a work ethic and drive that will beat the odds, and to those who are not above having to work their way up, seize every opportunity to learn, and own their journey.
Francesca Vanderwall
610
04/05/19 at 7:18PM UTC
So, this was my first "real" job, not my first ever job. But the lesson is super important. I learned that you can do anything for a year. The context was that we were in a rotational program, and some of us didn't get our "dream job" after the program ended. But we were all placed in positions that would teach us something about the company and give us a chance to grow as professionals. That mindset has helped me navigate org changes, personal setbacks, decide when it's time to move on, and really give people a fair chance.
Maggie BBusiness and Data Analysis Consultant
983
04/05/19 at 3:51PM UTC
My very first job was as a lifeguard for the school district. I was tasked with the Water Aerobics class, and after the first class, the ladies taking it insisted I join them in the water! I had an opportunity to develop my small talk while also staying active and making sure no one was having trouble in the water.
Kimberly SullivanFormer stock trader now Realtor
188
04/04/19 at 4:58PM UTC
I worked at a small clothing store as a cashier and salesperson when I was 15. I learned how to deal with all kinds of people (customers as well as colleagues) ...some good, some not so good and some crazy! Also learned that I had to get my homework done when I got home from work!!!!
Elizabeth AbelAccounting, admin pro for 25+ years
43
04/04/19 at 3:54PM UTC
I worked at a pet store that bought/sold puppy mill puppies. I quit after a couple of months because I couldn't stomach what I saw. I learned that it's ok to stand your ground on principle... the store went out of business about a year after I left. Now, puppy mill sales are outlawed in my state - thank goodness.
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