What was your first job?

[Kate]

Do you remember bringing home your first paycheck?

I do! It was rather small, but I enjoyed it. I was the office manager for a gymnastics center in the small town where I was going to high school. I enjoyed working with the kids everyday and seeing them flip all over the place!

[Ms Big Butt]

Does one day detassling corn count?? ;) Gosh, I hated it so bad, my friend & I hitched a ride 40 miles back home.

So I guess my first official job was for a fast food hamburger place. Our gimmick was that we weren't allowed to write down any of the customers' orders. We had to memorize it, shout it back to the cook, who repeated it in another shout, and then deliver the correct order to the customer at the counter. It was a great memory builder. I loved it enough to continue all thru high school, and on college breaks. :)

[Sib2of11]

My first real job was as a messenger in a large Bank in Providence. I was fresh out of high school, and I stayed with the Bank for 12 years, until I had my second child. I moved up from messenger to Security Order Typist (typing buy and sell orders of stocks and bond), and then on to the steno pool, which I loved. From there I became secretary to one of the Officers in the Trust Dept. That all seems like a lifetime ago.

[clogaholic]

I worked in cafe as waitress when I was 16. I liked it usually , loved getting tips. I used the money I earned to buy school clothes. With 9 brothers and sisters, we didn't get many new clothes otherwise.
Boy, that WAS a lifetime ago!

[Kathy]

My first job (besides babysitting the neighbor kids) was working at an advertising agency while I was in high school. I helped the artist/owner with layout and paste-up, old timey ways of creating ads for the newspaper and billboards.

It was a great job because I had thought I wanted to major in advertising in college. After working in that agency, I determined that the agency life was not for me. The boss and office staff was great. But the job...pressure!

I got my degree in art education instead of advertising art. :D

[Carmen]

My first job was as a carhop at an A & W Drive-In restaurant in my little hometown. (I realize that the job title "carhop" likely has gone the way of the dinosaurs, so for those who are among the younger generation, a carhop was a waitress who took orders and delivered fast food to diners who remained in their cars while eating.)

The pay was lousy, but the plusses of the job were that it was partially outdoors and that the "Root Beer Stand" was a popular teen hang-out spot. :cool: Also, because I was just a teenager, the work shifts (by law) were short...four hours if I recall. :)

[gemsab]

My first job was working at my church's Bingo games when I was in high school. I didn't make much money but it brought me out of my shell.(I was very shy). I also was a candy striper at the same time but that job was strictly volunteer. It did prepare me though for the nursing career I chose in college.

Emily :D

[DayDreamer]

My first job was a Saturday Secretary at a local church when I was in high school. It was only one day a week but it was fun having a little extra spending money!

Deb

[txgurl]

My first job was as a Key Punch operator. Do you remember that way of processing info on computer punch cards? I sure did get tired of that. whew! We sure have come a long way baby! :D

[Kate]

Does one day detassling corn count?? ;) Gosh, I hated it so bad, my friend & I hitched a ride 40 miles back home.


haha! I had a job at a restaurant that I showed up one day for. But it wasn't detassling corn. :D That must have been interesting.


It did prepare me though for the nursing career I chose in college.


Very cool...are you an RN now? Which area do you work in?

[QuiltAngel]

My first job was real interesting. I got paid for sleeping! We had this elderly neighbor whose relatives lived out of town. She was getting up there in years. Her daughter hired my sister and I to go to her house at night. We checked on her, helped her with anything she may have needed help with, did homework and went to bed. We would also do grocery shopping for her. We were in high school at the time.

[pednurse]

My first job (other than baby-sitting) was in a day-care center. I worked there my first 2 years of college (in a room of 12 2-year-olds!). After graduating, I worked as an RN on a pediatrics unit. Now I stay home with my own 2 kids (can you tell I like kids???).

[Glinda]

My first job was as a carhop at an A & W Drive-In restaurant in my little hometown. Me too! (((Carmen))) ! I was 14 y.o. and made 80¢/hr! Thank goodness for tips!

Rootbeer floats on the house! :D

[piper_creek]

I worked at a small neighborhood grocery in high school. They still delivered groceries to the elderly in the neighborhood. That was always fun- it was neat to go shopping for someone else.

[blondgrl]

My first job other than babysitting when I was younger was at a hospital (in the extended care facility/hospice home where I worked with patients sitting with them, socializing and just talking to elderly patients who did not have any families or had no one who visited on a normal basis. I did this for many years until after I graduated from college.

[gemsab]

I don't work in the nursing field now, Kate but my main focus was in OB/GYN. I worked for many years in the delivery room and then off and on in 2 different OB/GYN's doctor's offices. I also worked for 7 years in a daycare center where my pediatric training came in handy!

Emily

[Luvmabug]

My first job is the reason that I chose an INDOOR job, for the one I'm doing now! When I was a teenager, I worked in the fields with my best friend. Her father was a foreman for a farmer. I chopped weeds from the cotton fields one summer and the next summer I worked the grave yard shift on the tomato machines.
I'll tell you, I have respect for those hardworking people now!
Now I work in a nice airconditioned pharmacy.

[YellowRoseTex]

My first job was working concessions in a movie theatre. I made a grand total of $1.85 per hour. :silly: I really detested that job. The hours were bad and the work was exhausting. I had a mean boss also. The schedule was never posted until late and it wasn't unusual to come in and find you were working a double shift. He would often try to help in the concessions, only to spill a soda or popcorn and than leave it for us to clean up with a counterful of customers.

[Votelady]

My first job was a waitress job at Frisch's. I hated it and it lasted three whole days.

[spasmo]

My first job was in childcare. I worked at the YMCA right after I went to art school before I got my first art related job. That job in child care has served me well. If you can handle a room full of ACTUAL two year olds, you can most likely handle a room full of people ACTING like two year olds.

[lokerspadokers]

Waitressing at Friendlys Restaurant!

[tanner413]

Receptionist at a tanning salon. What a fun job!!!

[kelly15972]

Ms Big Butt,
Are we the same person? My first actual job was detasseling corn too, but since that was just farm work I count my first real job as working in a hamburger joint Mc Donalds actually, we did the same thing where you called orders back and forth from front to back. I will never forget I made a whole 2.00 per hour! I don't think they pay much more than that now!

[crunchies0313]

Well I feel good. I worked at Kroger for my first job and got paid $6.30/hr. I loved it because I have a talking problem, and well usually customers didn't mind hearing me talking. I have actually never heard of corn detasseling. Interesting jobs out there.

[Tracy]

My first real job besided babysitting was working in the concession at the pool which shortly after that worked into a fulltime life guard position. GREAT job. I enjoyed it. I got to get paid for getting a suntan. Now that I look back on it, it probably wasn't good for my fair skin.

[Sophia]

I was still in high school, got hired by "the" phone company as a long distance operator. It was a board that used plugs, and we had cards we used to bubble in the phone number. Being a teen, I got in trouble for talking to the customers, listening in, etc. And back then, only women were allowed in the building.

[Peachy]

I worked as a receptionist for a family run bookbinding company with only a few employees. I didn't earn very much but it taught me the value of working and paying for luxuries at a young age - I was 16 yrs old.

[Mysty]

I loved going to the A&W when it was like that Carmen. And I swear Cubby Chicken was much better back then... I was so excited when they brought it back and when I had it.. it was nothing like i remembered! :(

My first job, other than babysitting for the summer months, was waitress! I HATED IT!! Never did it again.

[Pipkitty]

Me too Carmen! I was a carhop at the Daly Drive in. At the end of the shift I had to total up my reciepts and turn in the money. What ever was left over after I deducted my " bank" was mine. It helped me learn to give change very carfully. It wasn't very long before I moved inside to waitress. The tips inside were better and as I lived in Michigan it was alot warmer.

[SouthDakotaSherry]

I babysit ALL the time for a couple of years and bought a 10-speed bike and tons of clothes!

Then I became a McDonald's girl. That was back in the day when you had to memorize all the prices and the tax chart. It wasn't as easy as those cash registers are today.

[chickadee]

I was a dental assistant and then a bartender. i have worked alot of jobs from those just mentioned to a chemical dependency councelor, grassroots lobbyist, to an associate at Wal-mart. i learned something from every job, I ever had and have great respect for all of those that work everyday jobs. Sometimes its harder than the professional jobs.

[Poppie]

My first job was at the local hamburger joint. I was 16, it was the happening place. There was not that many positions available, so if you got one you hung on to it. All the girls wanted to work there, it was the hang out. I had so much fun, I loved that job. Carol :jumpbun:

[babee]

My first job was a chashier at Target. It was alright.

Lynne

[Mori]

My first official job excluding various summer jobs I had while going to school was Data Entry CLerk for a large Bakery that supplied hospitals, restaurants, etc.

[Unagi Sushi]

Do you remember bringing home your first paycheck?

I do! It was rather small, but I enjoyed it. I was the office manager for a gymnastics center in the small town where I was going to high school. I enjoyed working with the kids everyday and seeing them flip all over the place!


Other than babysitting -- did some of you actually make it through high school without babysitting even ONCE! -- my first job was working in the Accounting Department of a railroad company. I liked it so much that I stayed for 2 years before going to college.

[drake4]

My first job was working for my dad's best friend. I was a film developer. You know before we had one hour photo and machines to do all the work for you. I hated it and the chemicals smelled so bad. I didn't last long at that one. I did get pais well though.

[buttercup]

When I was a senior in high school my aunt got me a job where she worked. It was for a contractor who made parts for an aerospace company. I was supposed to keep the shop clean, plus the owner taught me how to make some kind of part with silica. Then he taught me how to weld a little bit. It was interesting but I earned enough to buy an 8 track stereo and then quit. Wanted to spend more time with my boyfriend. I was paid 1.35 an hour.

[LindaAnn]

Hey Miss Big Butt!

Detasseling corn counts! That was my first job too! I was 13 and I think I lasted 2 weeks (we had to walk the fields and I was only about 4' 10" and couldn't reach most of the tassels!!) I got my revenge. though. My 3rd or 4th job was as a crew leader for a detasseling team. I got to drive the tractor and the younger kids hung out of baskets and pulled tassels! Thank goodness I was able to go to college and leave the cornfields behind forever!

[Kim308pl]

OH my gosh. My first job, I was a snow cone maker...lol. They had a small little building, big enough for 2 workers, but only one of us worked at a time. It was cold in there, but it was the funnest job I ever had.

Kim

[DieNarrin]

My first job - hostess at a steak place. It was a huge shocker to see how much they took out in taxes.

[Lee]

I had many early jobs, baby-sitting of course, then lasted about a week making whoopee pies at the age of 14, I hated that, then Mc Donalds, that lasted 3 months, they wouldn't let us take breaks, gave us free food if we couldn't have a break, but after a couple 12 hour shifts without a break I was pretty tired of the whole thing, my first job I stuck with was working at a motel cleaning rooms at 15, I loved it because it paid more than Mc Donalds and they let my best friend and I clean together, we listen to music, watch TV etc while we cleaned....we had fun and were right on the beach so of course during the summer we spent our afternoons on the beach.

[Ginger Coots]

I worked at a small convienance store called Redwood when I was in grade 12. I was married shortky there after and didnt work outside the home until the boys were older. The it was summers at a seasonal art studio set out on a remote lake. It was very relaxing.

[BBShopMom]

My first job was at a local Pizza/Pasta restaurant in my hometown. It was the place where all the kids went after the football and basketball games. All the kids that worked there were from my high school and it was owened by the father of a guy in my class. It was a great place to work. Such wonderful memories!

[abbie0407blue]

My first "real job" was a checker in a grocery store. It was tiring but I loved having my own money for clothes and presents and stuff. I guess that was when I was sixteen. Since then I've had many others.

[Queen Karen]

I was a babysitter for my younger brothers and sister, so naturally my first job was in the childcare industry. One summer I went around my neighborhood and contracted with the moms to watch their kids for a couple of hours each day so they could clean, run errands or whatever. I moved on from there to become a camp counselor for a time.

[charliemae]

My first full time job was at "the other" large bank in downtown Providence. I worked in Accounts Receivable.....we took deposits by mail, handled overdrawn accounts, and did the once a month clearinghouse as well as sending bank statements and cancelled checks. I got paid every 2 weeks, and my paycheck for those 2 weeks was a whopping $114! It sure bought a lot in those days.

[Duchesslady]

My first job was working in a scrap yard! Yep i got really dirty and it was freezing! I used to wear these really fashionable (NOT! :rolleyes:) green overalls and these BIG wellies as I have to go down the yard and tank gearboxes and wing mirrors etc for the clients!

Not for the fainthearted and not for anyone who knew "nada" about cars i.e. me! :eek:

Thing is everyone has to start somewhere and thats where I started! :D

Duchesslady

[loujill]

My first "real" job other than babysitting was working in a movie theater. This was 30 years ago mind you and there was only one movie playing at a time :D

It was a perfect job for a high schooler. You would work about 20 minutes selling tickets or candy then everyone dissappeared into the theater and you could do your home work or flirt with the ushers.

Speaking of flirting with the ushers...

This is where I met DH believe it or not. So, I would have to say that my first job was my BEST job! :D

[4evernbluejeans]

I remember,1966..a carhop,I was not legal age to work yet but I did,wow 50 cents an hour and tip.Lasted about 2 weeks.

[allietwo]

My first job (not counting babysitting) was working as a concessionist at the local movie theatre. And on my first night there I lost the keys! I guess that you can say that I survived--now I am a theatre manager!

[buttercup]

loujill - My husband's neice worked at the only theater in town which was of course a hangout for everyone under 21. She met her husband there (he worked there, too). They have been happily married for 25 years. I guess that is a good job to have!

[SmallSpaz]

Oh Lord talking about bringing up old memories. My first job was when I was 16 years old as a part time cashier at McDonalds. That didn't last long. We had a terrible manager that had her favorites and that didn't go over well with me. Especially after myself and all the other white girls were on our hands and knees cleaning for the inspection due the next day by our district and her favs were standing at the counter all talking (it was between lunch and supper hours). I quit that day!

[Penske40]

My first official job was at the Golden Arches too.
Awful Just awful. They made me watch the training video at least 3 times. (I'm not much of a conformist) :p

I was 16. Still have a picture of me wearing my "uniform".

Penny :banana:

[Lee]

Penny you are brave, I did not allowed anyone to take a picture of me in that lovely uniform, polyester was just not cool when I was 16.

[palmasy2002]

I worked at the local Y in their babysitting room. Drop-in care - very little responsibility and 5.15/hr....LOL....Not too shabby for 16 I suppose. :)

[KCGal]

My first job was at my father's small-town newspaper. I did everything from cleaning, to helping with circulation, to page mock-up, to setting type. It taught me about meeting deadlines and to pay attention to details, as well as how to deal with the public.

[GirlyGirl]

I stocked shelves at the commissary (grocery store.) What a boring job! and very physical.

[Dreamie]

I worked at a Deli/Bakery counter at a small grocery store, it was awful. Went home every day smelling like greasy chicken (the breading we used for the chicken actually made my arms break out in a rash! To this day I refuse to eat deli fried chicken) Plus my boss was nosie tramp, did not like the fact I would not share all my intimate details with her or gossip about the others in the store, so I go stuck with all the worst shifts and holidays. Hung in there for a year and a half then moved away. Whew. :p

[hypertyper]

Detasseling corn sounds fabulous compared to picking strawberries and raspberries - do you know that raspberries grow on thorny vines that rip your hands and arms to shreds when you pick the fruit??? :eek: All for 10 cents a crate..... :twocents:

I also worked for a neighbor woman when she entertained - she would have me clean up her kitchen and dishes for her. She payed primo $$$. I loved her to pieces.

I was a candystriper at 15.

At 16 I worked as a secretary at a local card shop and printing company.

[Seashell]

Typing bills for loads of stone at a stone quarry. "Drop in some time!" :D

[Queen Karen]

My first job, I don't know if babysitting for my brothers and sister counts but I do know that it did lead me to my first business venture. I started a (very) small daycare service one summer. I'd watch the young children of my neighbors for two hours each day so that the mothers could have alittle free to to do whatever they needed. I made pretty good money for the time.

[Louisianagal]

I also babysat for a little cash in my pocket. However, my first real job was at a local grocery store by my house. I am a talker so dealing with the public wasn't so bad except for those serious coupon or sale price ladies making sure they got the deal. Of course I am mom now so sometimes I will be one every once in a while. Ha. Ha. I didn't care for the hours though.

[NeNe]

My first job was at an office when I was in high school. Worked part time. After I graduated high school I went to work at a fried chicken place. A "friend" got me the job because her mom owned the store, but I quit when my "friend" started pushing her work off on me. Then I went to work at a nursing home as an aide. Better than frying chicken all day.

[SnoSpud]

My first job is kind of a strange one...I exercised Polo horses and clipped their hair and cleaned stalls. I had to be at work on the weekends like at 6am and sometimes wouldn't get done until 7pm or later! I loved it though...it was all about riding the horses instead of the money. I'd probably still do it today! ha ha!

[JesusCrew]

I worked at two scrapbooking stores that my brother and sister-in-law owned. That was back in 1997.