I grew up in a town where majority of kids my age did not have to get a job in high school and after. But being part of the non-majority who did, I had learned a lot. Before I turned 16 I knew that without question I needed to get a job. The rule my dad had for me was if I wanted to drive the car and have privileges, I had to pay for the gas. It seemed fair to me instead of having to make car payments at 16, so I went out in search of a job. Before I had turned 16 I was on the hunt for jobs, applying anywhere I could, but unfortunately was rejected. Most of my job hunting was done online until after I had turned 16. When I was finally 16 and newly licensed, I went out and applied to jobs in the downtown area. I learned a lot in those first couple times of applying; always look your best, smile, be kind and accept what you can get.
After two months of hunting I landed my first job as a hostess, a typical first time job. I only worked two days and approximately four hours a day; but those two days felt horrible. Hostessing is a unique job that requires a lot of patience. Having to deal with hungry customers who are told they have to wait 40 minutes for a table is not exactly fun. There were multiple times I would get yelled at for things I could not control. But I simply learned to smile and say "I'm sorry" and move on (no matter what I was screaming back at them on the inside).
After 11 months of being a hostess, I landed a job at the park district. It was a seasonal job, but promised me more hours. Working under the hot sun all summer, I dealt with not only hungry customers, but those who were sweaty and tired or full of energy. It was definitely a different atmosphere but more fun since I was working with people my age this time. After working there for a year and realizing seasonal wasn’t going to be enough to fit my spending, I landed a job in retail. Retail is a whole different ballpark compared to hostessing or working at the park district. In retail, you need to make sure the customer is leaving with what they want and that you try to reach a goal for sales. Keeping a customer happy is key because you want them to come back to spend more money.
After having three jobs, I have learned a lot and been proud of the money I’ve earned. Although I have yet to grasp the concept of saving, it’s one step at a time. Having a job since I was in high school has made me more grateful for the money I earn. Before I was spending my dad’s money and didn’t care (something a lot of people my age still get to do). But having my own money made me realize what I was spending and led to many regrets after I did use it. I had realized what impulse buying meant and how it felt after I spent too much money on clothes. Food was the death of me since all I wanted was to go out and eat. But then when I would need money for gas, it would come bite me in the butt.
Having some work experience under my belt has taught me to be more patient, to be kind to others who are working and to say thanks to them every once in awhile. No one realizes how much a simple “Have a great day” and “thanks you too” can make someone's day. Even a simple thank you makes the world go round. Since I have started working in retail, it amazes me how many people come in and make me feel like less of a human because I am behind the counter. Yes, this is my job and I am here to tend to your needs, but I don’t need to pick up every mess you make and be at your hand and foot. Some people are lucky enough to not have to have a job in high school and college. It takes a lot to balance school work and working long shifts or even just a regular shift. But, to be able to look back and say I was able to finish high school and continue on in college with a job is rewarding. A lot of people say it isn’t possible or "oh that must be hard to handle it all." It is hard, but the feeling you get of knowing you are working and still continuing an education is beneficial.
I finished up my first semester of college with an academic standing in honors and had a job all year. Although it was hard work, I would never take back the late nights of closing or early mornings for class. Knowing I can do the impossible and make it possible, is motivational. Especially when I receive that paycheck every two weeks—even if it’s gone in the next couple of days.
