How Old were You when You Got Your First Job?
14, the summer before my sophomore year of high school.
What was the Job?
I worked behind the register at Adler Sporting Goods.
How Did You Get the Job?
I walked in there and asked for an application, and I got called in for an interview a day later. I think they liked my polo dress.
What was the Best Part of Your Job?
It was fun working at the mall - my friends stopped by a lot, and I had a lot of good choices for food during my breaks (hello, Chick-fil-A waffle fries).
What was the Worst Part of Your Job?
I knew (and still know) absolutely nothing about sporting goods. I'm still not quite sure why they hired me. I didn't have to sell anything except what was right around the front counter - namely, swimming goggles and jock straps. God help anyone who asked me a question about jock straps.
Lessons Learned
- If you don't know something, don't pretend. Ask your manager. That's what they're there for, and they'll respect you for speaking up.
- If you're gonna quit, quit on good terms. There's no point in having a job if you can't use your manager as a reference for your next job application.
- If your boss is being a jerk, grin and bear it. Bottle it all in and let it out when you're out with your friends eating waffle fries.