Working has been a blessing in disguise. I had my first job at 17 and while it wasn’t much, it was something. Since then I have had multiple jobs in different fields and different environments. I went from working at Walmart and dealing with customer service to working in an office setting at Michigan State University for the College of Business. Starting work young was a great decision for me because it had taught me so much in a short 2 years and will continue to help me in the long run.
Working different jobs has not only given me skills I will need later but also has shown me about myself. I had not always been so sure with what I wanted to do but once I started to work in the sports industry I knew that is where I wanted to end up. I have worked in many different places but this by far has been one of the best jobs I have had. Sure, I am starting out with customer service but at least I am in the industry. I can’t expect to be a Public Relations manager for a major sports team right off the back. I have to work my way up to that position and this job has helped me do that. Starting out working as early as you can will help you in the long run. It will help you find yourself and make it so you don’t waste years and thousands of dollars in schooling that eventually you will end up hating.
Starting out young also helps when you go to interview. People have a better chance of getting a job when they show they can work well in any situation. A key factor of getting most jobs is that you can work well and cooperate with anyone they throw at you. You may not like a person personally, but at work that doesn’t matter. Working with so many different jobs and environments leaves you working with all walks of life. This leaves you with an experience and skill that not everyone has. You will stand out in the interviewing process when you can say without a doubt you have dealt with every kind of person out there including every jerk who thinks that they are always right and you are always wrong.
The best advice I can give to a high school/college student is to start working when you can. I am not saying as soon as you turn 16 get a full time job, because the odds are when you start working you won’t stop until you retire. What I am saying is in college get a part time job whether it is 5 hours a week or 20 hours a week. Also don’t stay in one place too long. The experience in many different fields will help you in the long run see what you want to do with your life and give you a cutting edge when looking for a job. Working is not always fun at first, but you need to work a couple not so great jobs to eventually work your way to the job of your dreams.
