*Collaborative post.
I got a job in a retail bank as a customer service when I was 18 years old. It was my first job. I got a 3 months contract with this bank that cannot named for many reasons. It was an internship sort of contract. Part of the requirements of my Bsc Accounting Degree at the university. I remember the experience being hard at first for me as a teenager. It was my first job, so understandably I found it a bit difficult waking up extra early every morning for 3 months to be at my desk ready for customers by 8am.
This job was nothing I taught it would be when I daydreamed about it many years ago. I saw myself working somewhere fun and far away. I thought of jobs like ski chalet jobs, and working as a life guard on a beautiful beach. But my reality was far from that. Having said that, it was a fun role. I enjoyed the experience and all it taught me.
Here are some things I took away with me –
The early bird catches the worm
I learnt the importance of being punctual for every job. I also learnt the importance grabbing every business opportunity that comes my way. With this job, opportunities came in form of customers wanting to open accounts but were unsure of which account to go for, and so on. I have taken this life lesson away with me to the self – employment world, and it helps me stay on top of my game. Being on time and making the most of the opportunities that come my way have helped my business.
Be professional
My manager taught me the importance of being professional and I carried took those life lessons with me. Staying professional and being myself at various workplace have saved my sanity and job. I always remember to stay professional even now that I work for myself. And I think it is more important to be professional when you run your own business or work for yourself as it is easy to cross the line with clients and business associates.
Dress to impress
My customer service role didn’t really teach me to dress to impress. I had that in me long before starting my first job. But it kind of reminded me of the importance of looking your best when on the job.
These are some of the life lessons I took away with me from my first job as a young shy 18-year-old. What did you take away from yours?
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My first job was at Kohl’s. I definitely learned a lot from that experience I was only 16, but it taught me so much!
Oh nice Melissa.
I worked in a bank for over 13 years, one thing I have taken away is good customer service and empathy for people in a customer service role
Oh great.
I firmly believe it’s crucial that people start working young, for many of the reasons you’ve just listed!
I agree. Thanks for stopping by.
I love this! Its crazy how those early jobs really shape us, all of my past careers have made me who I am.
Yes it is 😊
I work at a school which has the hours 9-5, we are constantly promoting a work ready ethos and I think this is so important. It was a big shock to me coming out of university and going into a full time job, at least with the school it prepares them slightly for what life is like!
Good you are promoting work ready ethos. It is very important children understand this.
I started my own business at 18 and to support it and my studies I worked as a journalist. The punctuality thing is the most important thing to become a boss.
Yes it is a very important lesson.
Punctuality is very important in in all the aspects of the life. Without punctuality we cannot achieve professionalism.
I agree. Thanks for stopping by.
When you start working when you are young, you not just earn money but build discipline as well. I also started as a student assistant when I was 18 at the university and I am grateful for the many things it has taught me. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Thanks for reading Ivan.
Internships helps a lot and a stepping stone for the career we want. Glad you enjoyed your first job and learned valuable lessons 😀
Thanks Blair 😊
I’m not sure Kohls even existed when I was 16 years old, but professionalism just like you stated is critical.
Yes it is. Thanks for reading.
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