I just recently left my retail job, where I had been working for just over two years. Although the job was busy and strenuous, I found myself much more emotional about leaving than expected; this job had become such a crucial part of my life, giving way to countless opportunities, as well as unforgettable friendships. Remembering my start to the job, I was in awe at the idea that I could earn a month's worth of pocket money in just a week. 'Why doesn't every kid do this?' I had asked myself.
After my first day on the job, with sore feet and a secret hatred for the mass populous, I understood why. I remember hearing complaints about how the coffee being served was far too hot, and then minutes later hearing it in for how cold it was. My overzealous 'hellos' were often greatly appreciated, but occasionally some people just found it odd that I was that friendly at 6:30 in the morning on a Monday! One could never win, and as a perfectionist, it was a hard pill to swallow when I realized that no matter how hard you work, there will always be people that are displeased.
That is simply an element of life. However, the respect gained from trying is significantly more important than getting everything perfect. No job is ever below an individual, and the effort of trying makes all the difference. Although I had managed to position myself as a consistent Dean's List student, I was still miscalculating people's change! At first, I was so embarrassed with myself. However, I soon realized that mistakes were a part of life. The best thing one can do is embrace them and quickly learn from them.
Although I enjoyed the busywork of interacting with people on a regular basis, it wasn’t until afterwards that I began to realise the importance that the job had in my growth towards being an independent adult. Not only did it teach me the importance and value of money, but it also taught me the invaluable lesson of working for what you want in life. By putting in the footwork and learning to work hard for my wants and needs, I was on the first step towards being an independent adult.
The sweat and long hours made money all the more valuable. I soon began to appreciate all that my parents had done for me over the years; money is not always an easy commodity to come by, and I hadn't always understood that. The fact that I had earned the posting of the job through my own means was also significant; it taught me my own personal worth and made success over the coming years all the more gratifying. Although I was merely a teenager when I had started my work, the secure environment allowed me to learn so much about life from my peers, particularly from those in superior positions to me, as they had found success through the hard work and sweat that I was only beginning to appreciate.
By working hard and never giving in to a hard day’s work, one could always attain what they set their minds to. My workplace soon became a second family to me, and having to leave was devastating. However, it is beyond gratifying knowing that I have a lovely home to come back to whenever I choose to visit. I learnt more about life through my experience at my job than I did in high school, and every lesson is owed to the wonderful environment in which I was allowed to grow freely within.
